New CCHIT certification programs focus on women's health, oncology

The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT) launched new electronic health record (EHR) certification programs this week in women's health (obstetrics), oncology, and clinical research and added them to its set of ambulatory EHR programs.

Criteria and test scripts for the new programs now are available, announced the Chicago-based organization, which is one of six federally sanctioned EHR testing and certification bodies.

These new certifications, which are designed to meet special medical or practice requirements, join other CCHIT certification programs including cardiovascular medicine, child health, emergency departments, behavioral health, dermatology, and long-term and post-acute care, according to CCHIT Chair Karen Bell, MD.

The new programs were created through the efforts of work group volunteers who developed the criteria and inspection processes, Bell said. The development process included evaluating provider needs and current standards, analyzing public response to drafted criteria and test scripts, and pilot testing of the proposed test scripts with nine vendor volunteers.

While the federal incentive program for Meaningful Use of EHRs requires hospitals and physicians to use certified technology, the additional CCHIT testing falls outside the current standards for the first stage of Meaningful Use.

A town call webcast about the new programs will be held at 4 p.m. EDT on June 2. CCHIT said it will begin accepting applications on that date on its website.

For more details:
- see the CCHIT announcement

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