Recently CMS and ONC announced a new timeline that will extend Stage 2 through 2016 and Stage 3 would not begin until 2017. This will allow for more time to develop standards for Stage 3.
How does that affect practices for 2014?
There are no changes for 2014. All providers regardless of whether they will be in Stage 1 or Stage 2 next year will need to be on a 2014 Certified EHR. In addition, Medicare is still requiring first time participants in Stage 1 Meaningful Use to begin their reporting period in the first 9 months of calendar year in 2014, and EPs must attest to meaningful use no later than October 1 in order to avoid future penalties.
As for the CMS announcement on the proposed 2015 Edition of Certification, this is voluntary for eligible providers and also the EHR vendors.
Still confused and have questions? Call your UCF REC account manager for more information.