HIMSS Supports Stage 2 Meaningful Use Extension

December 31, 2013 — To the gratification of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT have heard concerns from health stakeholders and extended Meaningful Use Stage 2 by one year. This additional time to attest offers an opportunity for increased feedback and analysis on technology implementation, eClinical Quality Measure reporting and progress toward interoperability that will enhance the ability of eligible hospitals and eligible professionals to meaningfully use health IT, and thus improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of patient care.

In August, HIMSS issued a call to action recommending launching Stage 2 Meaningful Use on schedule and extending Year 1 of the Meaningful Use Stage 2 attestation period, allowing at least 18 months in which Eligible Hospitals (EHs) and Eligible Providers (EPs) can attest to Meaningful Use requirements for one quarter.  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, human services secretary, U.S. Department of Health; Marilyn Tavenner, administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and Farzad Mostashari, M.D., then-National Coordinator for Health IT.

The latest 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 show that up to 72 percent of eligible hospitals and 44 percent of tethered ambulatory facilities have purchased the necessary software to attest to the 2014 Certification requirements.  

HIMSS is continuing to monitor the issue of upgrades to the correct certified version. “HIMSS Call to Action and Position on Meaningful Use Stage 2” can be found on the organization’s website.

For more information: www.himss.org