CMS to End Meaningful Use in 2016

CMS announced that it will be ending the “meaningful use” EHR Incentive Program in 2016. The announcement, delivered by CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt, follows months of requests from physician and other health stakeholder groups to slow the program down and loosen its requirements. CMS had announced stage 3 meaningful use guidelines in October which followed a series of proposed changes to the program, including payment adjustments and the creation of hardship exemptions. Slavitt said further specifics on exactly what will replace meaningful use will be forthcoming, though it will be tied to the implementation of Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) and include streamlining various quality reporting programs. We will be putting out the details on this next stage over the next few months.”