Stage 3 proposed rule on the way

Brace yourselves. The proposed rule for Meaningful Use Stage 3 has been sent to the Office of Management and Budget and will be posted in the Federal Register once the office completes their review, according to a spokesperson for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

“We are proposing the Stage 3 criteria that EPs, eligible hospitals and [critical access hospitals (CAHs)] must meet in order to successfully demonstrate Meaningful Use under the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, focusing on advanced use of EHR technology to promote improved outcomes for patients,” states the Department of Health and Human Services in their submission to OMB. “Stage 3 will also propose changes to the reporting period, timelines and structure of the program, including providing a single definition of Meaningful Use. These changes will provide a flexible, yet, clearer framework to ensure future sustainability of the EHR program and reduce confusion stemming from multiple stage requirements.”

HHS also said it is working with CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT to “ensure that the Stage 3 Meaningful Use definition coordinates with the standards and certification requirements being proposed and that there is sufficient time to upgrade and implement these changes.”

Back in March, the Health IT Policy Committee approved recommendations to HHS on criteria for Stage 3, which included 19 objectives for providers to comply with rather than the 26 in an earlier version. The committee aimed to tighten the focus of Stage 3, reduce the burden on providers and rely on available and mature standards. During listening sessions held in May, however, stakeholders said the Stage 3 recommendations were still too broad.