Three associations react to Stage 3 proposed rule

Professional associations are reacting to the proposed rule for Meaningful Use Stage 3. Although the rule promises greater flexibility, there is a lot of skepticism.

CHIME: The College of Health Information Management Executives is “pleased to see flexibility built into the Stage 3 proposed objectives. We are still trying to understand the implications of moving all Medicare providers to a single definition of MU by 2018, but are encouraged by the potential for this policy to simplify and streamline the long-term viability of Meaningful Use. While we and other stakeholders have been critical of the program over the last two years, we have always underscored how vital Meaningful Use is to modernizing our nation’s healthcare system. We look forward to digging further into the rule, looking for elements that will allow providers to build on their IT investments, specifically in the areas of care coordination, patient engagement and interoperability.”

We were encouraged by the signals to shorten the 2015 EHR reporting period from 365 to 90 days and make other program improvements through a follow-on rule. We call on CMS to propose policy changes to the “all-or-nothing” construct, lengthen timing between required Stage upgrades, and consider much-needed revisions to the hardship exception categories. These changes will enable far better participation among providers, which will in turn, keep them on a path towards improved care through health IT.

AHA: The American Hospital Association says “hospitals are implementing electronic health records at a brisk pace in order to improve patient health and health care, but they must do so under the crushing weight of government regulations.

The release of today’s rule demonstrates that the agency continues to create policies for the future without fixing the problems the program faces today. In January, CMS promised to provide much-needed flexibility for the 2015 reporting year, which is almost half over.   Instead, CMS released Stage 3 rules that pile additional requirements onto providers.  It is difficult to understand the rush to raise the bar yet again, when only 35 percent of hospitals and a small fraction of physicians have met the Stage 2 requirements.

 We urge CMS to release the 2015 flexibility rules immediately. Information technology holds the promise of enhancing care for patients and communities. America’s hospitals are committed to adopting technology but need today’s problems to be addressed to make progress for patients and communities. 

ACC: The American College of Cardiology President Kim Allan Williams Sr., MD, issued a statement saying, "The American College of Cardiology has long supported the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) as a mechanism for improving patient outcomes. The EHR Incentive Program as currently structured has been focused more on 'checking the box' than changing care delivery to achieve the goal of improved patient care.

"Although the ACC is still reviewing the proposed regulations, the College is concerned by the proposal to require all providers, even first-time participants, to report for a full calendar year, as well as proposals to require all participants to immediately begin participation in Stage 3 starting in 2018, rather than allowing participants to proceed through the Stages in a progressive fashion.

"Implementing an EHR system in a physician practice or a hospital is not as simple as flipping a switch; it takes time, financial investment, careful consideration and planning, as well as education for all staff. The program must take this learning curve into consideration."