Stage 2 CMS Final Rule


Date Released: August 23, 2012

Title: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Electronic Health Record Incentive Program–Stage 2.

Effective Date: 60 days after published in the Federal Register with exceptions - the definition of “meaningful EHR user” in §495.4 and the provisions in §495.6(f), §495.6(g), §495.8, §495.102(c), and part 495 subpart D, are all effective the date of publication in the Federal Register. Also, sections 495.302, 495.304, and 495.306 are applicable beginning payment year 2013.

Summary from the final rule: This final rule specifies the Stage 2 criteria that eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals (CAHs) must meet in order to qualify for Medicare and/or Medicaid electronic health record (EHR) incentive payments. In addition, it specifies payment adjustments under Medicare for covered professional services and hospital services provided by EPs, eligible hospitals, and CAHs failing to demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology (CEHRT) and other program participation requirements. This final rule revises certain Stage 1 criteria, as finalized in the July 28, 2010 final rule, as well as criteria that apply regardless of Stage.

Stage 2 Timing: This rule delays the begining of Stage 2 criteria from the Stage 1 original rule of 2013. EPs that have attested to Stage 1 in 2011 or 2012 will attest to Stage 2 in 2014. Refer to the CMS Stage 2 Final Rule Fact Sheet.

The Rule Contains:

  • The changes to Stage 1 of meaningful use to take place in 2013.
  • Acheiving Stage 2 meaningful use of certified technology.
  • New clinical quality measures now in addition to the objectives.
  • New clinical quality measure reporting mechanisms.
  • Payment adjustments for non compliance and hardship exemptions.
  • Changes to the Medicaid program.

Resources