The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) has released its final rule for Stage 2 of the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (“EHR”) Incentive Programs. The rule specifies criteria that eligible professionals and hospitals must meet in order to continue to receive incentive payments. CMS has indicated that the final rule will be published in… Continue Reading
Monthly Archives: August 2012
HITECH Meaningful Use: Optimization and Expansion
Posted in Behavioral Health, Legislation, Meaningful UseThe Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH”) made available an estimated $27 billion in federal incentive payments to medical professionals and hospitals when they adopt certified Electronic Health Records (“EHRs”) and demonstrate meaningful use of the EHRs. Eligible Professionals (“EPs”) can receive as much as $44,000 through Medicare, or as much… Continue Reading
STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL WADE FURTHER INTO HIPAA POOL
Posted in Business Associate, EnforcementIn 2009, HITECH gave State Attorneys General the authority to bring civil actions on behalf of their state residents for violations of HIPAA. The HITECH Act permits State Attorneys General to sue in federal district court to obtain monetary damages on behalf of state residents and/or to enjoin further violations of HIPAA. Although trained by… Continue Reading