CCHIT to certify PHRs.

The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT) has begun development of its 2009 certification program by announcing the formation of a personal health records (PHR) advisory task force. This is in addition to its 10 electronic health record (EHR) Work Groups. The 17-member advisory task force includes members from healthcare, governmental organizations, advocacy groups and business. The 10 work groups will update criteria for ambulatory, inpatient and emergency department EHRs as well as optional child health and cardiovascular certifications. Other groups will focus on interoperability, security and privacy. Although this does not mean the commission will begin certifying PHR products, it sets the groundwork for a possible future program, or perhaps inclusion of PHR criteria in existing EHR certification, according to CCHIT Chairman Mark Leavitt, M.D.