Long-awaited final rule for stage 2 of meaningful use released

After much anticipation and conjecture, the final rule for stage 2 of meaningful use was released on Aug. 23 by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Office of the National Coordinator. So, what was included in the final rule? I'll give you a snapshot below and then blog here in the coming weeks and provide more detail about some of the key points:

As anticipated, stage 2 is delayed from 2013 until 2014. Providers who first attested 2011 using stage 1 can wait until 2014 to attest for stage 2.
For first year attestors, the reporting period is still 90 days.
There are two new core measures.
There are now 17 core measures, and the required percentages are higher for several of them in stage 2.
You will also attest to three of six menu measures.
There are requirements for more electronic interoperability in stage 2 than in stage 1.
Beginning in 2014, eligible providers will report data electronically.
Eligible providers who attest in 2013 will avoid the payment adjustment in 2015.
Eligible providers who attest in 2014 must attest before July 1, 2014, to avoid a payment penalty in 2015.

I'm still reading the two final rules (more than 1,000 pages) and will be expanding on the items listed above. If you're interested in doing your own reading and research, the best place to start is the CMS website: http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/EHRIncentivePrograms/Stage_2.html.