HIMSS Statement On The Meaningful Use Stage 3 Rule

IT is a critical tool enabling positive transformation, value-based care models, and the delivery of better care, improved outcomes, and lower costs. In response to the new final regulations released recently, HIMSS appreciates the continued efforts of CMS and ONC to simplify and provide flexibility for meeting the Meaningful Use program requirements. We support the confirmation of the 90-day reporting period for 2015. Further, we support the emphasis placed on January 1, 2018 - the start of the period where providers are required to meet Stage 3 objectives and measures.

Consistently, HIMSS has called for at least 18 months between the publication of a new Meaningful Use rule and the start of a new Stage’s reporting period—the 27 months provided in this final rule appears to address this issue. HIMSS encourages reasonable Meaningful Use-related rules and timelines, as these enable providers to continue their participation in the program, thus supporting a positively transformed health system.

About HIMSS North America
HIMSS North America, a business unit within HIMSS, positively transforms health and healthcare through the best use of information technology in the United States and Canada. As a cause-based non-profit, HIMSS North America provides thought leadership, community building, professional development, public policy, and events. HIMSS North America represents 61,000 individual members, 640 corporate members, and over 450 non-profit organizations. Thousands of volunteers work with HIMSS to improve the quality, cost-effectiveness, access, and value of healthcare through IT. Major initiatives within HIMSS North America include the HIMSS Annual Conference & Exhibition, National Health IT Week, HIMSS Innovation Center, HIMSS Interoperability Showcases, HIMSS Health IT Value Suite, and ConCert by HIMSS.