Data from HIMSS Analytics database led HIMSS Board of Directors to support launch of Stage 2 Meaningful Use on-schedule, while simultaneously recognizing timeline and certification challenges articulated by eligible hospitals, eligible professionals, and the vendors who serve them, necessitates a longer attestation window.
Adopting an approach that encourages continued progress while simultaneously acknowledging short-term obstacles, HIMSS recommends launching Stage 2 Meaningful Use on-schedule and extending Year 1 of the Meaningful Use Stage 2 attestation period through April 2015 and June 2015 for EHs and EPs, respectively. This would encompass 18 months in which EHs and EPs can attest to Meaningful Use requirements for one quarter.
Data from the more than 5,400 hospitals in the HIMSS Analytics database indicate clear challenges for eligible hospitals and tethered ambulatory care facilities preparing for Meaningful Use Stage 2. These data shows up to 68 % of eligible hospitals, and 41% of tethered ambulatory facilities have purchased the necessary software to attest to the 2014 Certification requirements, but there are concerns that many may still be waiting for the necessary upgrade to the certified version.
HIMSS shared its position on extending the deadline for Meaningful Use Stage 2 attestation in an Aug. 15 letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius; Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Marilyn Tavenner; and, National Coordinator for Health IT Dr. Farzad Mostashari, MD, ScM.
“In our Call to Action, HIMSS asks the healthcare community – providers, hospitals and vendors – to come together in their execution plans for the 2014 certification process and implementation of 2014 certified products. We have recommended an extra six months to achieve Year 1 of Meaningful Use Stage 2, which is a brief amount of time when considering our ultimate and joint goal of successful implementation of health IT to support care coordination and healthcare transformation,” said Carla Smith, MA, CNM, FHIMSS, Executive Vice President, HIMSS.
Smith indicated that HIMSS will continue to focus on this Call to Action as part of its activities for National Health IT Week, Sept. 16-20 in Washington, D.C. In addition, resources, such as the HIMSS Value of Health IT Suite, and case studies from HIMSS Davies Award winners and HIMSS Analytics Stage 7 hospitals, are available to healthcare providers seeking data to support and realize the value of health IT.
Read the HIMSS letter to Secretary Sebelius, Administrator Tavenner and National Coordinator Dr. Mostashari. Read the HIMSS Call to Action statement.
About HIMSS
HIMSS is a global, cause-based, not-for-profit organization focused on better health through information technology (IT). HIMSS leads efforts to optimize health engagements and care outcomes using information technology. HIMSS is a part of HIMSS WorldWide, a cause-based, global enterprise producing health IT thought leadership, education, events, market research and media services around the world. Founded in 1961, HIMSS WorldWide encompasses more than 52,000 individuals, of which more than two-thirds work in healthcare provider, governmental and not-for-profit organizations across the globe, plus over 600 corporations and 250 not-for-profit partner organizations, that share this cause. HIMSS WorldWide, headquartered in Chicago, serves the global health IT community with additional offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia.