CCHIT to launch EMR cert programs next month

CCHIT to launch EMR cert programs next month
Two programs for certifying electronic medical record products (EMR) are on track to be launched Oct. 7 by the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT). One, called the CCHIT Certified 2011 program, will be an updated version of CCHIT’s previous offerings. The second will be a new, modular certification program called Preliminary ARRA 2011, focusing only on the Meaningful Use objectives and accompanying standards. Certification will be required, if users of EMR systems are to obtain reimbursement for their use under the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The healthcare community has voiced concerns that the certification criteria and standards, set to be released later this year by the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as HHS’ final rules on Meaningful Use, due in spring 2010, will come too late. The programs CCHIT will launch next month are designed to bridge that gap, according to the commission.

Elekta exec joins proton therapy firm
Joseph K. Jachinowski is the new CEO of Still River Systems, the privately held developer of a low-cost proton therapy delivery system to treat cancer. Jachinowski, a 28-year veteran of companies specializing in radiation therapy, was also elected to the Still River Board of Directors. He most recently served as executive vice president of radiotherapy equipment vendor Elekta and CEO of Elekta Holdings with overall responsibility for the company’s North American operations. Jachinowski co-founded IMPAC Medical Systems, serving as its president and CEO for 15 years before the company was acquired by Elekta in 2005.