HHS Releases 2015 CEHRT, Meaningful Use Flexibility Rules

While it isn’t the Stage 3 meaningful use delay that many stakeholders are anxious to see, HHS has finally allowed the healthcare industry to view and comment on the flexibility provisions for the EhR Incentive Programs, which will primarily affect Stage 2 meaningful use attestation between 2015 and 2017.

The Department also unveiled the final version of the 2015 Certified EHR Technology criteria, which will have a major impact on efforts to improve health data interoperability, health information exchange, and population health management.

The 560 page document, which includes both the flexibility rule and the 2015 CEHRT framework, is available to view here.

“We have a shared goal of electronic health records helping physicians, clinicians, and hospitals to deliver better care, smarter spending, and healthier people.  We eliminated unnecessary requirements, simplified and increased flexibility for those that remain, and focused on interoperability, information exchange, and patient engagement,” said Dr. Patrick Conway, MD, MSc, CMS Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Administrator for Innovation and Quality in a late afternoon press release.

“By 2018, these rules move us beyond the staged approach of ‘meaningful use’ and focus on broader delivery system reform,” he continued.  “Most importantly we are seeking additional public comments and plan for active engagement of stakeholders so we take time to get broad input on how to improve these programs over time.” For the full article click here 

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ONC finalizes health IT interoperability roadmap

Clearly feeling the heat from Congress and other critics to achieve interoperability of health information sooner rather than later, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology on Tuesday finalized its roadmap to the vision of easy, secure health information exchange.

The final version is not all that different from a draft released in January, but there are a few changes. “There is a significant focus on near-term goals,” Erica Galvez, ONC’s interoperability manager, told reporters during a conference call from Washington. That means achieving true, standards-based interoperability by 2017.

Also added were milestones for each topic area of the document so organizations can measure progress and stay on track. “It would be unreasonable” to ask stakeholders to memorize the roadmap, Galvez said.

The roadmap contains three sets of goals, over the near term, midterm and longer range, dovetailing with a 10-year vision spelled out a year ago: For the full article click here 

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OPM Victims Moving Forward: Part 1 – Who, What, When, How, and Why of the OPM Breach

This is the first of a 4-part series designed to raise awareness and provide insights to the victims of the OPM breach and their families. In this first video of the series victims learn the “Who, What, When, How, and Why” of the OPM attacks and what it means to them moving forward. The overview of the impact of the breach is accompanied by suggested best practices and tactics that victims can use to better secure their information and that of their families.

Instant Downloads:– Moving Forward: How Victims Can Regain Control & Mitigate Threats in the Wake of the OPM Breach http://ow.ly/SNGbl– Preparing the Battlefield: The Coming Espionage Culture Post OPM Breach http://ow.ly/SNG5P– Handing Over the Keys to the Castle: OPM Demonstrates that Antiquated Security Practices Harm National Security http://ow.ly/SNFPb

For additional information or to engage with thought leaders in the cybersecurity space, reach us at the following links and social media platforms:https://www.icitech.org
https://twitter.com/ICITorg
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Source : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeJYL6GFyI0&list=PLO3qFMFQ5wRFaCuwU-nbMv2dPRD5bFD9A

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HHS unwraps new platform and tools for disaster preparedness

With Hurricane season officially underway, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services introduced a new disaster preparedness platform.

In an effort to provide health and emergency management workers with more up-to-date information with which to prepare for and respond to disasters, the U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a national resource center.

The Technical Resources, Assistance Center and Information Exchange, a.k.a. TRACIE, features a help line, just-in-time suggestions and tools to share information gleaned from real-life experiences in preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters.

TRACIE also includes a technical assistance center, a comprehensive national knowledge center, and multiple ways to share information among federal, state and local officials.

To develop the program, HHS drew on experts from around the country charged with preparing for public health and healthcare system emergencies.  For the full article click here 

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Clarke Carlisle says some sports ‘lagging on mental health’

Some sports are “failing to address” the issue of mental health, according to retired footballer Clarke Carlisle.

Sports such as boxing and American football have not given mental and physical health the same importance, he told the Victoria Derbyshire programme.

But he praised cricket and rugby league for “investing heavily” in support for players and staff.

Former Burnley and QPR player Carlisle, 35, tried to take his own lifein December 2014 while severely depressed.

He said sport in general had progressed from “ignoring mental health to at least acknowledging it exists” but added more needed to be done.

The Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation,  of which Carlisle is an ambassador, has more than 250 signatories – including the Football Association (FA), Rugby Football Union and Lawn Tennis Association.

But Carlisle, a former Professional Footballers’ Association chairman, called on the FA and individual football clubs to help establish a support network for players and raise awareness. For the full article click here 

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Why Did We Get Into the Health IT Industry? 6 CEOs Share Their Reasons

In celebration of the 10^th anniversary of National Health IT Week, a collaborative forum and virtual awareness week that assembles key healthcare constituents dedicated to working together to elevate the necessity of advancing health through the best use of information technology. We’ve compiled six quotes from healthcare CEOs about why they got into the health IT industry. “As a kid in Boulder, CO I had aspirations to start or lead a business, but I was unclear of where and for whom. The healthcare industry ultimately found me, and you could say there are no coincidences. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in college, which led me to have seven major surgeries. As a direct response to my own health issues, I closely track my health and wellness in an effort to live a balanced and optimized life. Not only do I bring the perspective of an entrepreneur and executive to the healthcare industry and the boardroom, but I also bring the perspective of someone who has been deeply entrenched in the healthcare system as a consumer and patient.” For the full article click here 

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Volunteers bring TLC to Health for the Homeless event

About 20 volunteers helped more than 80 people get chronic neck, shoulder, back and foot problems checked at an all-day Health for the Homeless event Saturday at the Union Gospel Mission’s men’s shelter in Pioneer Square.

Living in your shoes, sleeping on the street, a life on hard pavement leads to recurring health problems for the homeless.

Coupled with poor nutrition and limited health care, the issues may go unchecked and unresolved.

Chiropractor Kevin Nguyen organized more than 20 volunteers to donate their time for an all-day “Health for the Homeless” event at the Union Gospel Mission’s men’s shelter in Pioneer Square. Walk-ins, men and women were welcome.

More than 80 came Saturday to have chronic neck, shoulder, back and foot problems checked.

Nguyen says these problems are “worse in the homeless community because of their circumstances. People are often carrying heavy bags and (are) on their feet more than the average, creating lots of stress on the body.”

He brought a team of providers to give physical therapy, acupuncture, massages, chiropractic treatments and naturopathic approaches for free. For many, comfort and human touch were welcome. For the full article click here

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