HHS Certification:

On July 16, 2009, the HIT Policy Committee proposed the following definition of HHS Certification1:

HHS Certification means that a system is able to achieve government requirements for security, privacy and interoperability, and that the system would enable the Meaningful Use results that the government expects. HHS Certification is not intended to be viewed as a 'seal of approval' or an indication of the benefits of one system over another.

Under the proposal, EHR vendors would only need to get certification from one accredited certifying organization. Updates should occur no more frequently than every other year and be done in time to enable vendors and providers "sufficient time for effective implementation."

Comment: Although ARRA provides the ability for the ONC to recognize an entity(ies) for voluntary HIT certification, the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) is not specifically named as the voluntary entity for HIT certification. CCHIT stands ready to deliver that authority and deliver a number of certified vendors to the process. The question of defining “certified” is being actively worked today by the HIT Policy Committee Certification Workgroup. There is dissent among smaller vendors who have been unable to afford the capital and/or resource commitment of CCHIT certification. Note that the CCHIT certification year runs from July-June, not a calendar year. Thus, the active year’s certification standards cannot be sought until July – with a testing date in the fall. Additionally, the 2009 certification application process has been suspended until late-August, 2009, pending ONC approval. EHS is committed to sitting for 2009 CCHIT certification if it becomes the recognized certification criteria by the ONC.