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A while back I wrote about the great news that the Drummond Group was planning to compete with CCHIT in doing EHR certification. The news coming out of HHS has been slow coming for these new EHR certification bodies, but I just received this email from the Drummond Group. In it they assert that they’re still planning to become an EHR certifying body for purposes of getting EMR stimulus money. Below is the full email:

As our 2009 year closes, we wanted to reach out to the many EHR vendors and interested parties who have contacted us about EHR certification and update you on the current state of our EHR certification program. Like you, we are currently waiting for HHS to release their meaningful use definitions and, just as importantly, their certification requirements. In his recent blog post (http://healthit.hhs.gov/blog/onc/index.php/2009/12/07/marking-the-road-ahead/), Dr. Blumenthal of the ONC indicated the publishing of the plans for the new certification program will not be released until early 2010. This is a bit disappointing as we were expecting this in late 2009. Regardless, we remain very excited about the future of EHR certification.

In this period of waiting, we have been speaking to many industry leaders and stakeholders to gain as much information as we can to ensure our EHR certification program will meet the needs of end-users and be viable for EHR vendors, especially small and medium sized companies. Once we get news of the HHS certification program, we can begin formalizing our EHR certification process. When we know more, we will make sure we keep you updated about our plans.

Thank you for your interest in us and EHR certification. May you and yours have a joyous holiday season and an even better 2010.

Joani Hughes
Interop Certification Coordinator
Drummond Group Inc.
www.drummondgroup.com

Related posts:

1. Drummond Group Launches EHR Certification Blog
2. New EHR Certifying Body – Drummond Group CEO Interview Highlights
3. Guest Post: EHR Certification Does Not Equal Meaningful Use
4. ONC to Meet with Potential CCHIT Alternatives
5. CCHIT Comments on Interim Final Rule for EHR Certification Criteria