HHS may be in the final stages before releasing proposed rules for Stage 2 of the electronic health records meaningful use program - HDM Latest News Article

HealthDataMangement Latest News Article Joseph Goedert Jan 23, 2012

The Department of Health and Human Services may be in the final stages before releasing proposed rules for Stage 2 of the electronic health records meaningful use program.

HHS has sent to the Office of Management and Budget for review a proposed rule that will accompany the Stage 2 incentive program rule. The accompanying rule would adopt standards, implementation specifications and certification criteria to ensure EHRs support Stage 2 measures.

OMB review often is one of the final steps before publication of a proposed or final rule. HHS previously has indicated the Stage 2 proposed rules are coming in January or February. Several sessions at the HIMSS Conference in February are specifically focused on Stage 2 issues. This includes a presentation at the day-long preconference Meaningful Use Symposium on Feb. 20, and these sessions on Feb. 22: ONC Certification Programs-Updates and Next Steps; Meaningful Use Stage 2 NPRM Overview; and ONC Town Hall with Farzad Mostashari.

Farzad Mostashari named new head of ONC

By Christine LaFave Grace on http://www.modernhealthcare.com/

Posted: April 8, 2011 - 11:30 am ET

Dr. Farzad Mostashari has been named to succeed Dr. David Blumenthal as head of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology at HHS.

Mostashari previously was deputy national coordinator for programs and policy at the ONC. He joined the ONC in July 2009, according to the ONC's website.

Blumenthal announced in February that he would step down from his post as national coordinator for health IT to return to Harvard University, where he had served as a healthcare researcher.

Before joining the ONC, Mostashari worked for the New York City Health and Mental Hygiene Department as assistant commissioner for the primary-care information project, according to the ONC's website. He also established the department's bureau of epidemiology services.

Watch Modern Healthcare reporter Joseph Conn's video interview with Mostashari from the 2011 HIMSS annual conference and exhibition here.

"Farzad's experience in promoting adoption and use of EHRs among providers, particularly in underserved areas, addresses a critical need," said Dr. Harry Greenspun, Dell's chief medical officer, who applauded Mostashari's appointment.

Read more: Farzad Mostashari named new head of ONC - Healthcare business news, research, information and opinions | Modern Healthcare