The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has decided that standards for certain electronic prescriptions will be developed only by organizations accredited by the American National Standards Institute. The requirement is one of three criteria established by the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics to assess standards for adequate industry experience. Other criteria include the implementation of a standard among multiple partners to ensure interoperability and recognition by key stakeholders.

CMS supported its reasoning by stating that “the ANSI accreditation process is open and based upon consensus, so accredited standards are more likely to adequately address and effectively respond to industry needs.”

In evaluating the new rule, HHS solicited recommendations from the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics, which consulted a wide range of experts. It’ll take effect Jan. 1, 2006, when prescription-plan sponsors and organizations offering certain Medicare plans will be required to comply.

For more information, visit www.ansi.org.

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