Propesed Rule to Modify Meaningful Use for 2015 through 2017

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a proposed rule to modify meaningful use (MU) requirements for 2015 through 2017.

How would the proposed rule affect providers?
CMS has proposed to simplify MU requirements by removing redundant, duplicative, and topped out objectives due to advancements in EHR functions and provider performances since the inception of the EHR Incentive Program.

EHR Reporting Period for 2015
This proposed rule would change the definition of “EHR reporting period” for eligible professionals (EPs) and eligible hospitals (EHs) such that the EHR reporting period would begin and end in relation to a calendar year. This requires all providers (including eligible hospitals) to complete an EHR reporting period within January 1 and December 31 of the calendar year in order to demonstrate meaningful use.

Additionally, for 2015 only CMS proposes to allow all EPs and EHs (regardless of their prior participation in the program) to attest to an EHR reporting period of any continuous 90-day period within the calendar year.

Certified EHR Technology (CEHRT)
The proposal includes no further changes to the definition of CEHRT. At the minimum, providers must continue to use EHR technology certified to the 2014 Edition for an EHR reporting period in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

 

Meaningful Use Objectives and Measures for 2015
This proposed rule would change the meaningful use requirements for 2015:

• 9 proposed objectives plus 1 consolidated public health reporting objective for EPs
• 8 proposed objectives plus 1 consolidated public health reporting objective for EHs

Since the proposed modifications are based on Stage 2 meaningful use requirements, there are proposed alternate measures, exclusions and specifications for providers scheduled to participate in Stage 1 for an EHR reporting period in 2015.

There are 10 proposed objectives for 2015 Meaningful Use:

• Protect Electronic Health Information
• Clinical Decision Support
• Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE)
• Electronic Prescribing (eRx)
• Summary of Care
• Patient Specific Education
• Medication Reconciliation
• Patient Electronic Access (VDT)
• Secure Electronic Messaging
• Public Health and Clinical Data Registry (CDR) Reporting

The proposed rule is open for public comment until June 15, 2015.
More guidance about meaningful use for 2015 and beyond will be posted on the NY Medicaid EHR Incentive Program website in future updates.