CCHIT to launch 2011 testing next month

The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology is starting two new certification programs next month with an eye toward helping providers earn federal health IT subsidies starting in 2011. On Sept. 24, the commission will publish criteria and test scripts for both its comprehensive 2011 EHR certification program and a new, modular certification track called Preliminary ARRA 2011. The latter will focus on the proposed "meaningful use" standards that HHS is developing under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Applications for both are set to open Oct. 7.

CCHIT wants to act sooner, rather than later, in anticipation of a rush to install technology next year. "There is a high risk that providers would not achieve meaningful use to qualify for the ARRA incentives in 2011 and 2012 if they wait until late 2010 to implement certified EHR systems and technologies," CCHIT Chairman Dr. Mark Leavitt said in a statement.

The commission is basing the ARRA testing on proposed rules; should the final version of the requirements differ, CCHIT promises a complimentary, incremental inspection program for those vendors that earn preliminary certification.

To learn more, including details about testing fees and upcoming workshops:
- check out this story from Healthcare IT News
- see how Health Data Management covered this news
- read the CCHIT press release