Dive Brief:
- CMS has issued a proposed rule that would give health care providers greater flexibility in how they use EMRs to meet meaningful use requirements, according to Health Leaders magazine.
- The proposal would also formally extend the timeline for meaningful use Stage 2 and Stage 3.
- The key, observers said, will be for the government to move the proposed rule through the approval process promptly, so providers don't face penalties for not attesting for MU Stage 2 this year.
Dive Insight:
As the Health Leaders piece notes, even if CMS moves at its fastest possible pace, it will take until late summer or early fall to move the proposal through, given the 60 day comment period and other minimum requirements. Still, overall this comes as a relief to providers, especially medical practices, some of whom have been struggling mightily to meet MU requirements.