Code Repository and Software Quality Certification Process has been launched by OSHERA. Users, developers, and researchers are able to engage with and advance electronic health record technology using robust tools from OSHERA. A significant step in ensuring this has been the establishment of the repository and certification process. OSHERA also known as the Open Source Electronic Health Record Agent is a not-for-profit foundation. Open source development is used by OSHERA to facilitate EHR or Electronic Health Record improvements.
The current VistA, or Veterans Health Information System Technology and Architecture electronic health record software, has been contributed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the Open Source EHR codebase. This initial codebase is contained in OSEHRA's Code Repository. VA previously launched the open source software project in order to foster increased innovation in EHR technology. This had resulted in the creation of OSHERA. The OSHERA community now sees active participation from VA.
All executable artifacts managed by OSEHRA are initially attested and then verified for safety, compliance and functionality. This process comprises the Software Quality Certification. The Software Quality Certification Plan which describes the OSEHRA software quality certification in detail is available here.
In a release, Seong K. Mun, Ph.D., CEO and Acting President of OSEHRA, said, "The repository and software quality certification process define the concrete steps necessary for a user of the Open Source EHR to contribute code back into the open source system. This is the first step towards true innovation and modernization of the VistA codebase, and OSEHRA welcomes those interested in participating in this exciting journey to visit the OSEHRA website at www.osehra.org and join the community."
A 45-minute webinar will be hosted by Dr. Mun on October 19, 2011 at 11:00AM EDT. A progress report on OSEHRA activities will be provided by Dr. Mun in the webinar titled, "OSEHRA: Open for Business". The strategic direction of the organization will be also discussed at the webinar. Community participation in the webinar is also encouraged. The webinar can be attended by clicking here.
Carolyn John is a Contributor to HealthTechZone. To read more of her articles, please columnist page.Edited by
Rich Steeves
