Background
Management service organizations (MSOs) have emerged as a way to address
the challenges associated with provider adoption of electronic health
records (EHRs). These challenges include the cost and maintenance required
for the technology, and the responsibilities that accompany the storage
of electronic data privacy and security. Unlike the traditional
EHR client-server model where the data and technology is hosted locally
at the provider site, MSOs offer EHRs hosted in a centralized secure data
center. Data is safeguarded through a network operating center that,
by design, ensures high quality and uninterrupted service. MSOs
enable physicians to access a consumers' record wherever access to the
Internet exists. These remotely hosted EHRs enable providers to
focus on practicing medicine rather than dedicating staff to support the
application.
On May 19, 2009, Governor Martin O'Malley signed into law House Bill 706,
Electronic Health Records - Regulation and Reimbursement. This
law requires the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) to designate one
or more MSOs that will offer EHRs throughout the state by October 2012.
The MHCC convened an MSO Advisory Panel to develop the criteria for MSOs
that seek State Designation. The MHCC will utilize established criteria
administered by a nationally recognized accrediting organization. For
information on the work of the Advisory Panel click
here.
Program Overview
- MSOs must offer at least one hosted EHR solution. MSOs are not resellers
and host the products offered and maintain the data center(s) or have
an agreement with a third party that hosts the product(s) and maintain
the data center(s).
- MSOs must connect to the state designated health information exchange.
- The MHCC will evaluate applications for State Designation
and issue a formal disposition letter within approximately two weeks
of receiving a completed application for Candidacy Status.
- An MSO will be considered in Candidacy Status based upon
the issuance of a disposition letter that acknowledges that the MSO
has met the initial documentation requirements for application.
- An MSO in Candidacy Status has one year from the date of
the disposition letter to successfully complete the requirements for
State Designation.
- MSOs in Candidacy Status are afforded the same recognition
as MSOs with a State Designation.
- To be considered for State Designation, an MSO must complete
a self-assessment evaluation consistent with the established criteria
and undergo a site review of their network operating center(s).
- The MHCC will rely on the evaluation of a nationally recognized accrediting
organization in determining whether an MSO meets the State
Designation requirements.
- State Designation is awarded by the MHCC to MSOs that receive
a minimum score of 85 percent on their self-assessment manuscript and
a similar score on their network operating center site review.
- State Designation is valid for two years; MSOs interested
in reapplying must initiate the application process at least 90 days
before the State Designation is scheduled to lapse, and submit
the self-assessment manuscript and undergo a site audit no later than
90 days from the State Designation expiration date.
- MSOs with a State Designation are required to provide assistance
to providers in such areas as EHR planning, implementation, education,
technical support, and in becoming advanced users of EHRs.
- MSOs with a State Designation are required to meet all the
performance requirements established by the Regional Extension Center.
- Beginning January 1, 2012, if an MSO in Candidacy
Status has not demonstrated accreditation by a nationally recognized
accreditation organization identified by the MHCC and achieved State
Designation within the allotted one year timeframe they will be
removed from Candidacy Status. Additionally, if the MSO chooses
to reapply to the MHCC for State Designation, the MSO must
achieve accreditation from a nationally recognized accreditation organization
prior to reapplying.
One Year Anniversary
The MSO State Designation program has reached its one year mark and we are proud to announce some of our key accomplishments.
MSO State Designation Application and Criteria
State Designated MSOs
Informational Materials
For more information on the Maryland Regional Extension Center, click
here.
Any organizations seeking more information on becoming a
State Designated MSO, please contact:
Sarah Orth
410-764-3449
Last Updated: February 22, 2012