CMS reopens submission period for hardship exception applications

Laura Pedulli | | Health Exec | EMR/EHR

Eligible professionals (EPs) and eligible hospitals (EHs) are getting another opportunity to apply for a hardship exception.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its intent to reopen the submission period for hardship exception applications until Nov. 30. The previous deadline was April 1 for EHs and July 1 for EPs. Those who qualify can avoid the 2015 Medicare payment adjustments for not demonstrating Meaningful Use.

EPs and EHs that can apply must:

  • Have been unable to fully implement 2014 Edition certified EHR technology (CEHRT) due to delays in 2014 Edition CEHRT availability; and
  • EPs who were unable to attest by Oct. 1 and EHs that were unable to attest by July 1 using the flexibility options provided in the CMS 2014 CEHRT Flexibility Rule.  

“More information about the application process will be shared soon. We intend to address this issue in upcoming rulemaking,” according to CMS.

Laura Pedulli

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