Show Support for HR 5481, Flexibility in Health IT Reporting Act

Attesting to Meaningful Use has its challenges.

This is a request to make the reporting period for 2015 only 3 months instead of 12, thus giving us all more time to comply with the standards. SV

I recommend going to the link by the end of the month.


In early September, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule on 2014 Meaningful Use reporting that offered some level of flexibility for providers who are attempting to use Certified EHR Technology to report on their adherence to Meaningful Use Stage 1 or Stage 2 in 2014. The final rule gives flexibility for 2014, but requires a full-year of Meaningful Use reporting for 2015, which for hospitals starts in one week on October 1, 2014, and in three months for eligible professionals (January 1, 2015). The short implementation window is an incredibly difficult challenge for even the most prepared providers. On September 16, Representative Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02) introduced H.R. 5481 - The Flexibility in Health IT Reporting (Flex-IT) Act of 2014. Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT-04) has signed on as an original co-sponsor. This important legislation would ensure health care providers receive the flexibility they need to successfully comply with HHS’ Meaningful Use Program in 2015. The Flex-IT Act will allow providers to report on their meaningful use compliance in 2015 for a three-month reporting period as opposed to a full year. This shortened reporting period is an important first step in helping to ensure providers remain in the Meaningful Use program and continue to use IT to support healthcare transformation. Your immediate attention and action is needed to help Congress understand the importance of this legislation! Use the HIMSS Legislative Action Center to get your member of Congress involved!