WASHINGTON – The initial criteria for the definition of "meaningful use" of healthcare IT are expected by June 16.  

"The latest intelligence is that we will have a draft for meaningful use by next Tuesday," said Dave Roberts, vice president of government relations for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

The Health IT Policy Committee is expected to review a draft of meaningful use criteria at its June 16th meeting.

"Once this draft is delivered to the HIT Standards Committee, its workgroups can review the standards and certification criteria which map to meaningful use," said John Halamka, MD, in his blog "Life as a Healthcare CIO."

Roberts said the definition will probably not set the bar too high so that providers can qualify for the incentives – but he also doesn't think it will remain low. Officials will "ratchet it up," he said, or it will "morph over time."

Justin Barnes, vice president of Greenway Medical Technologies, said people should "keep their eyes open and be ready to review this important and valuable information."

"It is important that everyone has this timetable as part of their schedules. As industry stakeholders we need to be aware and ready to provide comments and expertise," he said.

Roberts said the funding is going to flow through the states. "I think you need to stay engaged at a state level to make sure that you will be deemed meaningful users," he said.

As early as October 1 of next year, hospitals can receive incentives, Roberts said, followed by providers in January 2011.

He echoed others in advising people to "plan ahead," as there won't be much time to react.