The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has responded to the concerns of providers in meeting the 2014 Stage 2 requirements for Meaningful Use and have made it easier to participate in the incentives this year.

The final rule, published on August 29, allows more flexibility in use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology (CEHRT) to meet meaningful use for an EHR Incentive Program reporting period for 2014. By providing this flexibility, more providers will be able to participate and meet important meaningful use objectives like drug interaction and drug allergy checks, providing clinical summaries to patients, electronic prescribing, reporting on key public health data and reporting on quality measures.

The CMS Media Release outlines the CEHRT Systems available for use. For help with meeting Meaningful Use contact the NCMS Foundation Director of Practice Improvement Terri Gonzalez, 919-833-3836 x123.