CCHIT launches ONC-ATCB certification program

The Certification Commission for Health IT (CCHIT) has launched its Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC)-Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ATCB) certification program for EHRs to certify that they are capable of meeting the 2011-2012 criteria to support Stage 1 meaningful use, as required by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and qualify eligible providers and hospitals for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The Chicago-based CCHIT said its first group of certified 2011-2012 EHRs will be announced within weeks.

The certification will be offered for complete EHRs that meet all of the HHS 2010-2011 criteria as well as EHR modules that meet one or more—but not all—of the criteria. Certification applications and an additional “Get ONC-ATCB Certified 2011/2012 Toolkit,” designed to help prepare health IT companies and developers for this new certification, are now available here.

CCHIT was among the first organizations to be recognized by the ONC as an ATCB.

In addition to ONC-ATCB certification, CCHIT will continue to offer its CCHIT Certified program for ambulatory and inpatient EHR products that exceed the government criteria. That program is designed for hospitals and physician practices looking for more robust, integrated EHR products to support the unique needs of their clinicians and patients. Many health IT companies and developers will certify their EHRs in both programs to provide this extra assurance to their customers.

Companies with products applying for the CCHIT Certified program may also apply for the ONC-ATCB 2011-2012 program at no additional cost.

The commission also offers CCHIT Certified programs for EHRs used in cardiovascular medicine, child health, emergency departments, behavioral health, dermatology and long-term and post-acute care. In addition, a certification program for EHRs used in clinical research will be available this fall, and programs in women’s health and oncology are in development for launch in spring 2011.


 

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