Testing work plans vary depending on measure type and complexity. Measure developers can test a single measure or a set of measures. If testing targets a set of measures, the measure developer should construct a work plan that describes the full measure set. The work plan for alpha testing is usually prepared early in the measure development process; therefore, the exact number of measures for testing may not be known, and many work plan areas listed may not be appropriate. In contrast, the measure developer should prepare the beta test work plan after development of the measure specifications and should include sufficient information to help understand how sampling and planned analyses aim to meet scientific acceptability, feasibility, and usability and use criteria required for endorsement by the CMS consensus-based entity.
To assist with recruiting testing sites, the measure developer should announce testing opportunities widely. A Call for Measure Testing Volunteers template is available. CMS measure developers may request posting of the announcement on the MMS Hub. Additionally, the Electronic Clinical Quality Improvement Resource Center Measure Collaboration Workspace has an electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) Testing Opportunities module where measure developers can announce eCQM testing opportunities.
See the Templates and Resources for assistance with developing and documenting the testing work plan and updating measure specifications.