CMS releases new EHR guidelines

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released new guidelines for electronic health records yesterday, with an emphasis on encouraging inneroperability and more patient engagement (Source: “Stage 2 meaningful use rules filed; new EHR guidance for vendors, physicians,” MedCity News, Feb. 23, 2012).

The stage 2 meaningful use guidelines were filed yesterday with the Federal Register (pdf, 455 pages). The public has 60 days to comment for adjustments to the rules. 

One emphasis in the new rules is encouraging more communications between HIT systems. Under the new rules, EHR vendors will be required to connect to the health information exchanges and also will have to support direct messaging to allow doctors to communicate. These capabilities must be supported even if physicians are using different EHR systems.

Another priority in the new rules is increasing engagement. The guidelines include a requirement that 50 percent of patients must have access to their records within four business days of their medical visit.