HealthIT.hhs.gov: Permanent Certification Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet: Permanent Certification Program

Transition from the Temporary to Permanent Certification Program

ONC will establish the permanent certification program during 2011.
Testing and certification is expected to begin under the permanent certification program on January 1, 2012, or at a later date when the processes necessary for the permanent certification program to operate are completed. At that time, the temporary certification program will sunset.
The act of transitioning from the temporary certification program to the permanent certification program will have no impact on the certifications issued to EHR technology.

Highlights of the Permanent Certification Program Processes

Testing

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through its National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) will be responsible for accrediting organizations to test health information technology (particularly EHR technology) under the permanent certification program.
Only test tools and test procedures that have been approved by the National Coordinator can be used to test Complete EHRs and/or EHR Modules in order for them to be eligible for certification by an ONC-Authorized Certification Body (ONC-ACB).
ONC plans to continue to collaborate with NIST to develop test tools and test procedures as needed for the testing of new and/or revised certification criteria adopted by the Secretary in the future. However, as under the temporary certification program, other entities can submit test tools and test procedures to the National Coordinator for approval.

Certification

ONC-AA and ONC-ACBs

One accreditation organization (ONC-Approved Accreditor or “ONC-AA”) will be approved through a competitive process to accredit certification bodies. The ONC-AA will be selected every three years through a competitive process.
All certification bodies will have to apply to ONC for ONC-ACB status. ONC-ATCBs (certification bodies authorized under the temporary certification program) will not automatically become ONC-ACBs, as a certification body must first be accredited to be eligible for ONC-ACB status.
An ONC-ACB will have to renew its status every three years.
An ONC-ACB may also be accredited by NVLAP to perform testing under the permanent certification program in order to serve as a “one-stop-shop.” In such situations, the ONC-ACB must be structured in a manner that ensures the objectivity and impartiality of its certifications.

Gap Certification

When the Secretary adopts new and/or revised certification criteria in future rulemakings, gap certification will be available as a more efficient certification option to have previously certified Complete EHRs and EHR Modules tested and certified to only the applicable new and/or revised certification criteria.

Beacon Evidence and Innovation Network (BEIN)

The BEIN will help Beacon Communities identify and share the results of their efforts using health IT to enhance patient care and reduce costs.

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology