We have received implementer requests for a definition of "provider" in context of the Communication category.

As implementers map communication concepts, they are uncertain which clinician commuication or workflow is intended.

For retooled measures, the chart-abstracted measure may have defined specific providers (For example, allow documentation for MD, APN, but not RN), For eCQMs, I acknowledge that we cannot constrain through logic which specific provider is intended for a given measure. For the time being, however, a general definition would help implementers who are evaluating eCQM logic and redesigning documentation for structured data capture.

Perhaps there is an existing CMS definition of healthcare provider that we could reference? I imagine it would be something along the lines of " a person licensed to provide health care services, such as a physician, dentist, registered nurse, physical therapist, or social worker."