(May 2012) This issue brief highlights challenges NAPH members face in implementing health information technology. It also outlines policy implications and recommendations for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as it refines electronic health record incentive programs.

On May 7, 2012, NAPH submitted a letter to CMS in response to a request for comments on the proposed rule for meaningful use Stage 2 requirements.

NAPH provided its members with this summary of key aspects the Meaningful Use Stage 2 proposed rule.

In this summary, NAPH provides details on the key aspects in the Meaningful Use Stage 2 proposed rule.

This webinar discussed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed Stage 2 Meaningful Use Requirements for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs for hospitals and eligible professionals. Key aspects of the proposed rule include changes to Meaningful Use Stage 1 criteria for hospitals, the definition of Meaningful Use Stage 2 core and menu set criteria for hospitals, and changes to the clinical quality measure reporting requirement for hospitals. In addition, the proposed rule outlines the EHR Incentive Program timeline, defines the Medicare payment reduction process/timeline, and makes modifications to the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program.

NAPH staff Xiaoyi Huang and Kevin Van Dyke outlined these proposed changes, answered questions, and solicited member feedback for NAPH's comment letter to CMS about the proposed rule and its impact on safety net hospitals.

Participants were asked to review NAPH’s detailed summary and/or high-level summary of the proposed rule in advance of the presentation.

Speakers:
Xiaoyi Huang, JD
Assistant Vice President for Policy,
NAPH

Kevin Van Dyke, MPP
Policy Manager,
NAPH

Suggested Participants:
All Members are welcome to attend, but this webinar is specifically be geared toward: Informatics, Medical Informatics, Quality, Finance, and Government Relations Staff

Webinar Evaluation

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published the proposed stage 2 meaningful use requirements for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs. This proposed rule modifies stage 1 meaningful use criteria for hospitals and eligible professionals.

On February 25, 2010, NAPH submitted a letter to ONC’s Health Information Technology Policy Committee in response to a request for comments on their preliminary recommendations for Stage 2 of the definition of meaningful use.

Copy of ONC’s Initial Set of Standards, Implementation Specifications, and Certification Criteria for Electronic Health Record Technology

Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Electronic Health Record Incentive Program; Proposed Rule. Published on July 2010 in the Federal Register.

In its comment letter, NAPH urges CMS to reassess its proposed meaningful use definition so that as much of the hospital incentive payments can be distributed to the providers that need them.