Based on information from more than 5,400 hospitals in its database, Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society has recommended meaningful use stage 2 begin as scheduled, but hospitals and other eligible providers be given six additional months to attest to the requirements.
HIMSS data shows while up to 68 percent of eligible hospitals and 41 percent of tethered ambulatory facilities have purchased the software necessary to attest to stage 2, concerns remain that many are waiting for the necessary upgrade to a certified version of the software.
In a letter to HHS officials, HIMSS writes, "Eligible professionals, eligible hospitals and vendors are increasingly citing timeline and certification challenges in preparation for Meaningful Use Stage 2. Therefore, HIMSS recommends that Year 1 of the Meaningful Use Stage 2 attestation period extend through April 2015 and June 2015 for EHs and EPs, respectively. This would encompass 18 months in which EHs and EPs can attest to quarterly Meaningful Use requirements."
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