The HIT Policy Committee, established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ("ARRA"), met this morning for its second public meeting. The three workgroups, established at the first meeting, presented updates on the work they have accomplished since the last meeting. The workgroups are focused on meaningful use, adoption/certification, and health information exchange. At the meeting, a draft definition of "meaningful use" was presented by the meaningful use workgroup. The majority of the meeting was focused on discussing this draft definition.
In accordance with ARRA, the definition of "meaningful use" will become more stringent over time. The meaningful use workgroup presented objectives and measures for "meaningful use" in 2011, 2013, and 2015. The full list of measures and objectives was presented by the workgroup in matrix form. This matrix can be found at the following web address:
The HIT Policy Committee will accept public comments on the draft definition of "meaningful use" presented at today's meeting. Public comments will be accepted until June 26th. Comments may be submitted in writing or electronically at the following e-mail address: [email protected].
The meaningful use workgroup plans to review public comments and comments from the full HIT Policy Committee to update its draft definition. The updated definition will be presented at the next HIT Policy Committee meeting, which is scheduled for July 16th.
Additionally, CMS will take a lead role in implementing the incentive program established by ARRA. CMS plans to go through a full rulemaking process to define "meaningful use." David Blumenthal said CMS plans to issue a proposed rule at the end of the year. A 60-day comment period will precede issuance of a final rule.
All documents presented at the meeting today, including updates from the adoption/certification and health information exchange workgroups can be found at the following web address:
