GOP Doctors Caucus want MU Stage 3 delay, blanket hardship exemption

The GOP Doctors Caucus seeks a delay Meaningful Use (MU) Stage 3 and a blanket hardship waiver for Stage 2, according to a letter sent to House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).

The 18-member caucus wants to work with Ryan because they said the final rule, released in October, "pushed forward" MU "in the face of bipartisan, bicameral opposition." 

Also, the caucus said by delaying the release of the modification rule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services put physicians in an "untenable" position. The inability for many to meet MU in 2015 is a problem "created by CMS."

The caucus asks that the "deeply flawed Stage 3 rule" be delayed, saying that "legislative remedy is the only way to ensure providers are protected" and needed to "prevent the harmful effects" of the rule.

The lawmakers said they would work with Ryan "to find an appropriate legislative vehicle to protect patients" and implement MU changes.

Beth Walsh,

Editor

Editor Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s in health communication. She has worked in hospital, academic and publishing settings over the past 20 years. Beth joined TriMed in 2005, as editor of CMIO and Clinical Innovation + Technology. When not covering all things related to health IT, she spends time with her husband and three children.

Around the web

The FDA recently cleared the company's cable-free, credit card-sized heart monitor that produces 12-lead ECGs.

If 25% tariffs go into effect, it could have a big impact on the cost of medical imaging and radiotherapy systems, with many manufacturing facilities in Mexico. 

U.S. cardiology groups have worked together to propose the creation of a new American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine for certifying cardiologists. Now, after many months of waiting, a final decision is expected by the end of February.