The Department of Health and Human Services may be in the final stages before releasing proposed rules for Stage 2 of the electronic health records meaningful use program.

HHS has sent to the Office of Management and Budget for review a proposed rule that will accompany the Stage 2 incentive program rule. The accompanying rule would adopt standards, implementation specifications and certification criteria to ensure EHRs support Stage 2 measures.

OMB review often is one of the final steps before publication of a proposed or final rule. HHS previously has indicated the Stage 2 proposed rules are coming in January or February. Several sessions at the HIMSS Conference in February are specifically focused on Stage 2 issues. This includes a presentation at the day-long preconference Meaningful Use Symposium on Feb. 20, and these sessions on Feb. 22: ONC Certification Programs-Updates and Next Steps; Meaningful Use Stage 2 NPRM Overview; and ONC Town Hall with Farzad Mostashari.

Source: http://www.healthdatamanagement.com/news/ehr-electronic-health-records-meaningful-use-43900-1.html?awid=5223148612978536619-1978-