ehr onc final certification - Department of Health Care Services

Interim Final Rule’s preamble that discussed our approach to minimum code set
standards.
“We have implemented this approach by preceding references to specific adopted
standards with the phrase, ‘at a minimum.’ In those instances, the certification
criterion requires compliance with the version of the code set that has been
adopted through incorporation by reference, or any subsequently released version
of the code set. This approach will permit Complete EHRs and EHR Modules to
be tested and certified, to, ‘at a minimum,’ the version of the standard that has
been adopted or a more current or subsequently released version.”
We would note that consistent with this approach the Secretary has proactively
identified and deemed acceptable newer versions of the following adopted “minimum
standard” code sets:
1) LOINC version 2.3, released on February 26, 2010; and
2) CVX – Vaccines Administered, March 17, 2010.
We are consequently using this opportunity to inform Complete EHR and EHR
Module developers, prospective ONC-Authorized Testing and Certification Bodies, and
the rest of the public of the Secretary’s recognition of these newer versions of certain
adopted “minimum standard” code sets. We reiterate that use of these newer versions is
voluntary. We also note in accordance with 45 CFR 170.455(b)(2) that Certified EHR
Technology may be upgraded to comply with these newer versions at any time without
adversely affecting the certification status of the Certified EHR Technology.
• Optional Standards, Implementation Specifications, and Certification Criteria.
We believe that additional flexibility and specificity can be introduced into this
and future cycles of rulemaking through the adoption and designation of
“optional” standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria.
Optional standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria would
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