WASHINGTON – Members of the Health IT Standards Committee, a federal advisory panel, were awaiting the official definition of “meaningful use.” The definition was due at the end of December as Healthcare IT News went to press.

Though most federal officials have indicated the rule would not be released until the end of December, some panel members said they were worried they and other stakeholders might have to spend their holiday time poring over the new rule, should it be released before the end of the year.

John Halamka, vice chairman of the committee, advised the members to use their holiday time for “recharging their batteries and spending time with family.”

“We will have to do a lot of polishing afterward, “ he said. The Health IT Standards and Policy committees will help to provide guidance based on public comments the government receives after the rule is published.

Also mandated before the end of the year are standards for interoperability, to be released by the Department of Health and Human Services.