In this issue:
- New Rules Could Change Approaching Compliance Deadlines
- CMS Final Rule: Interoperability Testing & Certification program
- 2021 Savings
- Pre-Test Practice Sessions
- Testing Flexibility and Control
New Rules Could Change Approaching Compliance Deadlines
Have you heard? A new ONC Interim Final Rule (IFR) – titled “Information Blocking and the ONC Health IT Certification Program: Extension of Compliance Dates and Timeframes in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency” is in regulatory review with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) after being received on Sept. 17.
While the content of the IFR is not available, the title implies this new rule would extend compliance deadlines for Information Blocking and other certification program requirements outlined in the 21st Century Cures Final Rule. ONC had already allowed for enforcement discretion on several Cures Act provisions. However, this new IFR is likely to further extend some compliance deadlines.
Drummond is committed to providing customers with timely information on pertinent changes and related developer impact through our newsletter and customer portal after the rule is published. The original deadline for real world test (RWT) plans is quickly approaching on Dec. 15, followed by three months of enforcement discretion. At this time, Drummond does not anticipate releasing further RWT guidance until the IFR is published, but we will continue to closely monitor the rule for release.
CMS Final Rule: Interoperability Testing & Certification
Drummond Group and AEGIS.net have formed a multi-year strategic partnership focused on enabling interoperability by simplifying the implementation of the HL7 FHIR® Standard for healthcare system developers and ensuring compliance of the recently enacted CMS Interoperability and Patient Access final rule. With decades of independent validation and verification experience in the health IT industry, AEGIS will provide powerful program testing with Touchstone, AEGIS’ automated HL7 FHIR® testing platform. And, Drummond brings years of expertise as an independent certification organization working with federal regulations.
This new alliance will support the implementation of CMS requirements for healthcare payers to implement APIs and improve Patient Access within their healthcare records. In addition, it was formulated to combine robust test-driven-development tools with a certification program that validates compliance to federal requirements around the HL7 FHIR® standard. For the full press release, read more.
Interested in a 2021 fee reduction?
If your health IT software applications are currently Drummond Certified to the 2015 Edition, we are offering Drummond clients an opportunity to reduce their 2021 Annual Surveillance Certification Renewal (ASCR) fee due in Jan. 2021. Details were emailed to eligible clients the week of September 21st. For more details on how to take advantage of this offer, contact us.
Pre-Test Practice Sessions
For our Health IT developer clients who have yet to complete their 2015 Edition certification, Drummond continues to offer pre-test practice sessions with a test proctor to supplement your certification testing preparation strategy. If interested in scheduling a pre-test session, contact your Drummond Account Manager.
This opportunity is also open to our health IT developer customers already certified to the 2015 Edition interested in attesting their own respective implementation of the ONC’s 21st Century Cures updates for e-prescribing, USCDI, CQM CMS Implementation Guide and other required upgrades. Drummond’s pre-test sessions may be utilized to gain some independent eyes on your implementation ahead of making your formal attestations of compliance to your ONC -Authorized Certification Body. Contact Drummond if you are interested in scheduling a pre-test session for any of your Cures updates.
Testing Flexibility and Control
Drummond’s new rate structure provides our clients with additional flexibility and control over the services needed based on the scope of readiness for each test event. This new flexibility allows clients the opportunity to better manage valuable time and resources more efficiently. Contact us to learn more.