The federal Health IT Policy Committee's Quality Measures Workgroup has extended its deadline for public comment on its proposal for clinical quality measures for Stage 2 and Stage 3 meaningful use until Dec. 31.

Originally, comments were due by Dec. 23.

According to David Lansky, chair of the Quality Measures Workgroup, the workgroup is requesting general comments and specific examples of measures for each measure concept proposed.

Lansky said the workgroup's proposals are "broadly aligned" with the National Priorities Partnership Framework for health quality, and the five pillars of meaningful use - which are improving safety, quality, efficiency, and health disparities; engaging patients and families; improving care coordination; improving population health; and ensuring adequate privacy and security protections.

After the Quality Workgroup receives public comments, it will review them and make changes to its recommendations before presenting them to the Health IT Policy Committee for approval, according to Lansky.

The Health IT Policy Committee is an advisory group to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). ONC and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are responsible for writing the final meaningful use rules.

Information on the workgroup's proposal, and a form for submitting comments online can be found here.