The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has published a final rule allowing more flexibility in using certified EHR technology (CEHRT) to meet meaningful use (MU) reporting requirements for 2014. The change is expected to result in greater provider participation, and more will be able to meet MU objectives such as electronic prescribing, drug interaction/drug allergy checks, and reporting on key public health data and quality measures.

Final rule highlights include:

• Eligible Providers (EPs) can use the 2011 Edition CEHRT or a combination of 2011 and 2014 Edition CEHRT for an EHR reporting period in 2014 for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs


• All EPs are required to use the 2014 Edition CEHRT in 2015


• Stage 2 MU is extended through 2016 for certain providers


• Stage 3 MU timeline will begin in 2017 for providers who first became meaningful EHR users in 2011 or 2012

Click here for the full statement, plus updated MU timelines and CEHRT systems available for use in 2014.