Just when you thought the final rule was final…

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will soon release clarifications on the meaningful use final rule that was published in July. While no exact date has been given for the release of these adjustments, they are currently being subjected to a federal clearance process before being published.

There’s no need to be alarmed. All indications are that the revisions are minor. They will include more in-depth descriptions of the meaningful use objectives and measures with a distinct aim to help providers plan for future stages. That’s something I think we can all agree is sorely needed.

Be sure to check out the CMS website for the release of these modifications as well are more guidance materials for health care providers on how to meet the objectives laid out in the incentive program.

The CMS website can be found here: http://www.cms.gov/

Discussions of Stage 2 & 3

That’s right there’s more. The adjustments to the Stage 1 final rule were not the only topic discussed at the recent Health IT Policy Committee meeting. The Committee also discussed the requirements for the next stages in the incentive program.