As the various government agencies work to standardize electronic health record (EHR) systems, the lab industry’s lobbying organization, the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) has published a draft Laboratory Test Compendium Framework. This document, available online at www.clinical-labs.org/issues/technology/documents/ACLA_LabTestCompendium.pdf, is designed to standardize downloads of electronic laboratory directories of service (eDOS) in to EHR systems. Open for public comment through March 5, the document details a standard system for delivering test compendium data that differs from laboratory to laboratory, including but not limited to order codes, test descriptions, and specimen requirements. Following the public comment period, ACLA plans to transfer this framework to the HL7 Standards Committee.

This move by the ACLA comes only days after the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) released proposed regulations defining the “meaningful use” of EHRs. Health care providers who meet this meaningful use criteria may qualify for incentive payments through CMS. These payments were introduced in last year’s federal stimulus package.

For expanded coverage of this story, please read the February issue of Laboratory Industry Report.