Features of the permanent certification program include the following:
• Organizations must first be accredited in order to test and/or certify health information technology.
• Certification bodies authorized by the National Coordinator are required to conduct post-certification surveillance.
• ONC-authorized certification bodies are permitted to perform “gap certification.”
The temporary final rule will sunset on Dec. 31, 2011 or at a later date if the permanent certification program’s processes need more time to be completed.
The ONC will ask the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop a laboratory accreditation program for organizations to be accredited to test health IT. The permanent certification program will be implemented throughout 2011.
Read the news release about the certification program final rule.
Read other coverage about health IT certification:
– National Health IT Coordinator Details 2010 Advancements in Health Technology
