CCHIT New Federally Authorized EHR Alternative Certification

Dr. Karen Bell, Chair, Alisa Ray, Executive Director, and Pat Becker, EACH Program Director, CCHIT. As healthcare providers anticipate the benefits of federal incentive payments for meaningful use of certified EHR technology, some face an unexpected hurdle. Many will be able to meet the EHR certification requirement through use of certified EHR technology purchased from vendors, but many may need to achieve it on their own. The EHR Alternative Certification for Healthcare Providers, or EACH program, an ONC-ATCB 2011/2012 certification for already-installed EHR technology, is designed to meet the needs of healthcare providers who have uncertified legacy software, customized commercial products, or have developed their own EHR systems to suit their individual needs. This educational presentation explores the requirements for certification and informs participants about the steps they need to take if they cannot wholly rely on vendor-certified products to meet this need.