Mass. requires physicians to demo MU to maintain license

New regulations adopted by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine require physicians to demonstrate meaningful use of EHR systems as a condition of maintaining their medical licenses.

The provision is part of a broader state law aimed at addressing healthcare costs and transparency that is scheduled to take effect in 2015. The provision requires healthcare providers applying to the state's medical board for licensure to demonstrate proficiency in using several forms of health IT, including computerized provider order entry; EHRs; and electronic prescribing.

According to the provision, at a minimum proficiency means providers must demonstrate compliance with the federal Meaningful Use incentive program.

The Massachusetts House in its fiscal year 2015 budget proposal released last May recommended easing the requirement so that physicians only must show that they are familiar with the use of EHR systems for patient care. But, under the final regulations, providers get some flexibility as they must meet one of several criteria to prove they can use an EHR system to provide quality care in order to renew their medical licenses. 

The options include the following:

• Complete a minimum of three hours of accredited continuing medical education training on EHRs that covers the Meaningful Use program's menu and core objectives and clinical quality measures
• Have a relationship with a hospital that has been certified as a program participant, either by being employed by the hospital, being credentialed by the hospital or holding a "contractual agreement" with the facility
• Participate in the Massachusetts Health Information Highway, the state's health information exchange
• Participate in Meaningful Use as an eligible provider

Providers who renew their medical licenses before March 31will receive a one-time exemption from the requirements. Those physicians scheduled to renew their licenses within 60 days of the end of March also can qualify for the exemption by submitting their applications early.

The regulations include other exemptions for providers such as those who are applying for limited licenses as interns or medical residents; applying for licenses but are not actively practicing; or called up during a national emergency or crisis while on active duty in the National Guard.

The regulations went into effect on Jan. 2.