The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today the first ONC-Authorized Testing and Certification Bodies (ATCBs). With this announcement EHR vendors can have their software certified as to meet the criteria to support meaningful use. By purchasing certified products, providers will have assurance that the products will support achievement of the meaningful use objectives. The first two authorized review bodies are the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT) and the Drummond Group Inc. (DGI). Additional applications for ONC-ATCBs are still under review. “Multiple steps are underway to carry out the intent of Congress in supporting rapid and effective adoption of EHRs throughout our health care system,” Dr. Blumenthal said.  “The naming of initial ONC-ATCBs is one important step.  Actual certification of multiple vendors’ systems by the ONC-ATCBs is an important next step.  CMS is also working to create an online system for providers to register and attest for the EHR incentive programs. The first incentive payments are targeted to be made in May 2011.  Meanwhile, ONC is also carrying out new programs of technical assistance and training, especially for smaller hospitals and physician practices.” EHR certification is part of a broad initiative under the HITECH Act. HITECH created new incentive payment programs to help health providers as they transition from paper-based medical records to EHRs.