The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the proposed rulemaking for Stage 3 meaningful use, which is the next stage of compliance for eligible professionals and hospitals in the Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Program.  Stage 3 is scheduled to begin in 2017.

The public notice provides little insight into the substance of the proposed rule.  However, the notice previews that “Stage 3 will focus on improving health care outcomes and further advance interoperability.”  It also explains that CMS plans to “propose changes to the reporting period, timelines, and structure of the [EHR Incentive Program], including providing a single definition of meaningful use,” in order to “provide a flexible, yet, clearer framework to ensure future sustainability of the EHR program and reduce confusion stemming from multiple stage requirements.”  The date of publication of the proposed rule is still unknown, but the notice indicates that it is planned for some time in 2015.