The official rules covering meaningful use were published in the Federal Registry on January 13. The two rules cover meaningful use of EHR as mandated by the HITECH Act. This means the public comment period offically started on that day. Both rules deadline for comments are March 15, 2010. No formal comments have surfaced yet but plenty of talk, opinions, and positioning is happening. The ONC says they are still on track for the final rule to be issued in the Spring. Here is our reading list on what is brewing in the pre-comment abyss.
Mary Mosquera recaps in the “Clock starts ticking on meaningful use comments“.  Healthcare IT News writes that 85% of providers today believe their EHR will meet their needs for meaningful use in 2011.  Nextgov reports on a new study that shows hospitals might fall short to be ready for incentive pays. Neil Versel writes on the “hint” of meaningful use changes that we might see. And the first and former ONC David Brailer, MD says the proposed criteria “feels right” to him.
We have added our new Proposed Rules section for subscribers. You can view these articles and more updated resources on all things rule related by logging in for access.