CMS adds flexibility to EHR meaningful use rule

CMS recently announced a finalized rule allowing hospitals more flexibility meeting meaningful use requirements. Healthcare providers now have until January 1, 2017, to start the third stage of meaningful use, which is one year later than previously required.

 

The final rule also allows healthcare providers, who are unable to adopt 2014 certified EHRs, more flexibility to use 2011 technology to show they met the 2013 first-stage standards. They can also use a combination of 2011 and 2014 technology to show they’ve met 2013-14 standards, or 2014 technology to meet the 2014 first-stage standards.