Chicago-based Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) says it plans to expand its certification program in 2009.
The Commission is preparing its updated ambulatory and inpatient certification criteria, as well as new programs to certify systems for child health, cardiovascular medicine and emergency department requirements, all to be launched in July 2008. Certification of networks (health information exchanges), another new area, is now planned for launch in Oct. 2008.
For 2009, proposed expansion areas include long-term care, behavioral health, personal health records, and additional medical specialties to be determined later this spring by the Commission.
In addition, CCHIT says it is launching an EHR education Web site for physicians, designed to help educate physicians on EHR selection and the value of choosing CCHIT Certified products. The nonprofit says the site will help physicians better determine their readiness for moving to electronic health records, get started on the selection process, and be wiser in the actual purchase and contract negotiations. Readers will have the ability to post comments and questions regarding EHR certification and adoption issues.
