Which organization is responsible for policies related to Medicare and Medicaid payment for meaningful use of EHRs?

• A. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• B. American Medical Informatics Association
• C. Health Informatics Management Systems Society
• D. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

Answer: (D)

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is the gatekeeper for how Medicare and Medicaid reimburse care and sets the rules around meaningful use of EHRs. The meaningful use program was created to encourage the adoption and proper use of certified EHR technology, with eligibility criteria and incentive payments administered by CMS. Providers who demonstrate meaningful use can receive incentive payments, while failure to meet requirements can lead to penalties. The other organizations are important in research, standards, or professional practice, but they do not administer Medicare/Medicaid payment policies.