Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

What is a requirement of stage 1 of the CMS Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program?

1. Maintain an active medication list

2. Achieve patient data encryption

3. Automatically update patient records

4. Provide yearly training for healthcare staff

The correct answer is: Maintain an active medication list

In stage 1 of the CMS Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, maintaining an active medication list is a fundamental requirement. This is essential because having a current and accurate medication list helps improve patient safety and care coordination. It allows healthcare providers to make informed decisions about patient care, minimizes the likelihood of medication errors, and supports better health outcomes by ensuring that all team members have access to the necessary medication information. The other options, while they may be relevant in different contexts, do not define the core objectives for stage 1 of the EHR Incentive Program. Achieving patient data encryption is often a goal for protecting patient information but is not specified as a stage 1 requirement. Automatically updating patient records is an important functionality but not mandated as part of the initial stage criteria. Yearly training for healthcare staff, although crucial for successful implementation and use of EHR systems, is not listed as a specific requirement for stage 1 of the program.