What is the purpose of the temporary certification program?
The temporary certification program is the first part of ONC’s two-part approach to establish a transparent and objective certification process. The temporary certification program was established to ensure that “Certified EHR Technology” will be available for adoption by health care providers who seek to qualify for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive payments beginning in 2011. ONC-ATCBs will be required to test and certify EHR technology (Complete EHRs and/or EHR Modules) as being in compliance with the standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria adopted by the Secretary on July 13, 2010.