CMS put up three new FAQs July 16 on the clinical quality measures (CQM) for its electronic health records (EHR) meaningful use program. Here’s what you need to know:
  • When CMS releases new versions of CQM specifications, are EHR vendors and developers required to retest or recertify to keep their certified EHR status? The short answer is “no,” and here’s why: “The minimum version required for 2014 edition certification is the version of CQM specifications released by CMS in December 2012,” CMS says. “EHR technology that has been issued a certification based on the December 2012 version will remain certified even when CMS releases new versions of CQM specifications. We strongly encourage EHR technology developers to update to the newest CQMs specifications as they become available since those updates include new codes, logic corrections and clarifications. We also recommend EHR technology developers consider that other CMS programs (beyond the EHR incentive programs) and other private sector programs generally update CQMs on an annual basis. Thus, not updating EHR technology to the newest CQM version specifications creates the potential that providers may not be able to participate and report in those other programs for which they are eligible because the CQM data generated by their EHR technology is based on older specification versions and therefore may not be accepted by the other programs.”
  • What if an EHR’s technology is already certified for version 1 CQM specifications? Can it be updated to include the version 2 specifications without retesting or recertification? The verdict? Yes, but “if you change your certified EHR technology’s version when you update it to include the new version of CQM specifications, you will also need to contact your Office of the National Coordinator - Authorized Certification Body (ONC-ACB) and, at a minimum, submit an inherited certified status request to get this new version certified and listed on the Certified Health IT Product List (CHPL) for selection by your customers,” CMS says. “The ONC-ACB would have discretion to require additional testing in relation to your request for inherited certified status.”
  • Can an EHR which hasn’t been certified up to CQM standards — outlined in 45 CFR 170.314(c)(1) through (3) — be tested and certified for only the newest available CQM specifications? CMS says, “Yes,” it can. “We strongly encourage EHR technology developers to test and certify to the newest CQMs’ specifications as they become available since those updates include new codes, logic corrections and clarifications,” the agency says. “In addition, other CMS programs (beyond the EHR incentive programs) and other private sector programs generally update CQMs on an annual basis. Updating EHR technology to the newest CQM version specifications enables providers to participate and report in those other programs for which they are eligible as well.”
For more valuable guidance on how to successfully attest and earn meaningful use bonuses, read Part B News.