CCHIT Certification Program Timelines Change

CCHIT is transitioning its timelines to adapt to the new requirements of the stimulus law (ARRA/HITECH) as well as the still-emerging work processes of ONC and its advisory committees. The materials published here represent the final materials from our 09 development cycle. Instead of immediately launching 09 certification programs, we have submitted the criteria to the HIT Standards Committee for review, and we anticipate some degree of feedback by August 26, 2009.

Many vendors have asked whether they should be developing to our 09 criteria and test scripts, or waiting for our ARRA 2011-2012 version. Just to be clear, there will not be an 09 certification program. Our next launch -- this Fall -- will be for a 2011-2012 ARRA certification. The correlation between our 09 criteria and the 2011-2012 ARRA criteria will depend on decisions yet to be made by ONC and the two Advisory Committees.

We will work to quickly resolve any gaps, then begin accepting applications for our ARRA 2011-2012 certification programs as soon as possible after that. If the final HHS rulemaking leads to any additional changes by Dec 31, 2009, we will update the certification programs to accommodate those.

Your development decisions will also be greatly influenced by your decisions to pursue EHR-C vs. EHR-M certification. Review the July 16 and July 17 Town Calls at http://cchit.org/about/events/towncalls/ for more information.

The Certification Handbook, containing the policies of the Commission’s certification programs, is undergoing a significant revision to take into account the expanded applicability of EHR certification under ARRA and the new pathways to certification.

Organizations interested in preparing for certification should review these materials but must be aware that changes may be made before launch. Materials available now or in the future are as follows:

Concise Guide to CCHIT Certification Criteria

2009-2010 Criteria and Test Scripts

Certification Handbook -- to be released this summer

Thanks for your patience as we adapt our certification programs to the newly emerging requirements of ARRA, and prepare to serve a larger and more diverse spectrum of providers.

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