ONC Releases Final Rule on Permanent Certification Program for Health Information Technology.

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) recently released final regulations regarding the permanent certification program for health information technology (HIT).  According to the final rule, the permanent certification program will require authorized testing and certification bodies (ATCBs) to be accredited prior to testing or certifying HIT.  Furthermore, ATCBs will be required to renew their accreditation every three years.  ATCBs will also periodically evaluate certified products to ensure compliance with standards. Additionally, ATCBs will perform “gap certification” for existing certified products seeking to meet the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record Incentive Programs Stages II and II requirements.  ONC plans to implement the permanent certification program throughout 2011 and will continue to operate the temporary certification program until December 31.  However, it is important to note that termination of the temporary certification program may be delayed if the necessary processes to operate the permanent certification program are not completed. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Secretary 45 CFR Part 170 Establishment of the Permanent Certification Program for Health Information Technology. 76 Fed. Reg.5. 1262, 1327. (Jan. 7, 2011).