Meaningful Use Requirements

In order to receive an initial New Jersey Medicaid Promoting Interoperability Program payment, the eligible hospital DOES NOT have to currently be a meaningful user of certified EHR technology.  Instead, the hospital must only provide proof of adopting, implementing, or upgrading (AIU) this technology.  Definitions of these terms can be found here. To continue receiving payments for years 2-3, the eligible hospital must meet “meaningful use” criteria established by CMS.

In general, there are three requirements for "meaningful use":

  • The use of certified EHR technology in a meaningful way
  • The EHR is connected in a manner that provides for the HIPAA compliant electronic exchange of health information to improve the quality of care.
  • The collection of clinical quality data.

On October 6, 2015, CMS released a final rule that modified and specified the criteria that eligible professionals, eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals must meet in order to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs. The final rule’s provisions encompass 2015 through 2017 (Modified Stage 2) as well as Stage 3 in 2018 and beyond. Please select this link to view the 2016 meaningful use specification sheet for eligible hospitals.

The last year eligible hospitals may begin participation in the Medicaid Promoting Interoperability Program is on CY2015, the attestation application will accept CY2015 attestations up to March 31, 2016.

Last Reviewed: 5/9/2018