ONC Panel May Support Easing “Meaningful Use” Rule - February 23, 2010

During a February 17 meeting of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) Policy Committee, members debated and approved a recommendation to ease the meaningful use rule proposed by CMS. Such support could influence CMS to lessen its restrictions, which would make it easier for hospitals to achieve meaningful use, qualify for incentive payments, and avoid the Medicare penalty under the HIT rules. Although some members voiced support of proposals to allow some flexibility in meeting the meaningful use criteria, the committee was not in full agreement. The Policy Committee will now submit its recommendations to CMS in a manner similar to the general public. Comment period for the proposed rule runs through March 15, after which point CMS will make its final determination on the meaningful use rule. Details of the Policy Committee meeting can be found here.