What has recently been a complicating factor for implementing Meaningful Use criteria to certify EHRs?

The transition from ICD9 to ICD10 has indeed been a significant complicating factor in the implementation of Meaningful Use criteria for certifying Electronic Health Records (EHRs). This shift involves a substantial increase in the number and complexity of codes used for billing and clinical documentation, moving from approximately 14,000 ICD9 codes to over 68,000 ICD10 codes. The increased detail and specificity required in ICD10 mean that EHR systems have had to undergo significant updates and modifications to accommodate the new coding requirements.

Healthcare providers and organizations have faced challenges in adapting their EHR systems to comply with the new coding structure while simultaneously trying to implement and meet Meaningful Use criteria. This has led to increased costs, training needs, and potential disruptions in clinical workflows.

The other options mentioned, while relevant to the overall landscape of healthcare technology and policy, do not have the same immediate and direct impact on the implementation of the Meaningful Use criteria related to the certification of EHRs.