Medicare eligible professionals now have until 11:59 p.m. ET on March 20, 2015, to attest to meaningful use for the 2014 reporting year.

The extension also allows EPs who have not already used their one "switch" – from Medicare to Medicaid, or vice versa – to do so before the same deadline, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. After that, they'll no longer be able to switch programs.

CMS notes that Medicare eligible professionals must attest to meaningful use every year to receive an incentive and avoid payment adjustment penalties, which will be applied Jan. 1, 2016.

Officials emphasize that this extension does not affect deadlines for the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program.