ehr onc final certification - Department of Health Care Services

serve as a limiting factor, however, or preclude Certified EHR Technology from having
the capability to transmit information in a standard format.
Comment. One commenter commented that if a public health agency is unable to
accept the data, separate reports could be filed with the public health agency to ensure
compliance with the standards.
Response. The commenter’s point is unclear, as is its proposal. We therefore
reiterate that Certified EHR Technology must be capable of transmitting health
information in accordance with the standards adopted by the Secretary, regardless of
whether a specific public health agency can accept or receive the information.
Comment. One commenter suggested that if current interfaces comply with
public health surveillance data using older versions of HL7, the organizations should be
allowed to keep these versions and not be required to upgrade to a newer version.
Response. We permit a Complete EHR or EHR Module to be tested and certified
to either HL7 2.3.1 or HL7 2.5.1. No other versions will be considered compliant with
the adopted standards or certification criterion.
Comment. One commenter recommended that we specify acceptable testing
methods. The commenter also recommended that the testing methods should include an
evaluation of HL7 conformance, completeness, and accuracy of test messages sent to a
state public health agency with a demonstrated capability for electronic laboratory
reporting.
Response. We do not specify the testing methods applicable to the certification
criterion, because that information is outside the scope of this final rule.
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