National Academy Receives Contract

On September 23, 2013, CMS posted a notice on a sole source contract awarded to the National Academy of Sciences for $47,975 to study, identify, and recommend core data standards for behavioral and social determinants of health.

The National Academy will also provide a letter report to recommend specific domains of behavioral and social information to be considered by the HHS Office of the National Coordinator. This information could be included in the EHR certification criteria for the third stage of the Meaningful Use EHR incentive program.

Once the behavioral and social determinants of health are identified, any gaps will be addressed and developed as Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQM) derived from EHRs to ensure the delivery of equitable, safe, and consistent care.

This work will benefit all of CMS’ quality programs and support the administration of the Quality Improvement Organizations Program (QIO). The purpose for the QIO program is to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, economy, and quality services delivered to Medicare beneficiaries.

In addition, the National Academy will evaluate both data elements and the mechanisms needed for data collection by using evidence from the research as well as input from key stakeholders including EHR vendors, government, health and technology agencies, and the private healthcare industry.

The Academy will add data fields to the EHR and study how to overcome any obstacles incurred in doing this task. They will look at the possibilities available to link the EHRs to public health departments, social service agencies, or other relevant non-healthcare organizations and case studies if possible.

Go to www.fbo.gov for information on the contract award “Social Behavioral Domains and Measures for Domains for Electronic Clinical Quality Measures” Solicitation Number (OCSQ-393-2013-0715) issued by CMS.