The first ambulatory electronic health record products have been certified by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced on Tuesday. Twenty EHR products achieved CCHIT certification after undergoing inspections that demonstrated 100% compliance with CCHIT’s published criteria, which ensure that products provide a broad foundation of functionality, will evolve to be interoperable with other systems, and include security features that protect the privacy of personal health information. Inspections are continuing, with additional results to be announced at the end of July and quarterly thereafter.
“This seal of certification removes a significant barrier to widespread adoption of electronic health records,” said Leavitt. “It gives healthcare providers peace of mind to know they are purchasing a product that is functional, interoperable, and will bring higher-quality, safer care to patients.” HHS awarded CCHIT, a private-sector voluntary certification body, a three-year contract in September 2005 to develop and evaluate criteria and an inspection process leading to certification of the first ambulatory (office- and clinic-based) EHRs, followed by inpatient EHRs and their networks.
View a list of the certified products.
