HHS to Delay Medicare Meaningful Use Stage 2 - December 6, 2011

In response to hospital industry feedback, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced on Nov. 30 its intention to delay the start of meaningful use stage 2 until fiscal year (FY) 2014 for hospitals that began participating in the Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program in FY 2011. Stage 2 was previously scheduled to begin in FY 2013 for these hospitals. Hospitals that begin participating in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program in FY 2012 will not be affected by this change and will still need to meet stage 2 requirements in FY 2014.

Stage 2 timelines for hospitals that begin to participate in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program in FY 2013 or later have not yet been announced. These timelines, as well as meaningful use stage 2 criteria, will be defined in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services EHR Incentive Program stage 2 proposed rule, which is expected in early 2012. The final stage 2 rule is expected in mid-2012.