As the healthcare industry continues to move towards a more interconnected and data-driven future, patient data protection and privacy have become a top priority. The Information Blocking Rule 2022, implemented by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), is an attempt to address some of the critical information-blocking issues that healthcare professionals face today.
The rule aims to ensure patient access to their healthcare information by prohibiting healthcare providers from interfering, obstructing, or preventing access to that information. This new regulation is intended to increase transparency and empower patients while also promoting innovation in the healthcare industry.
What is Information Blocking?
Information blocking typically occurs when a healthcare provider either restricts access to an individual’s health information or makes it challenging to obtain. This can be done intentionally or unintentionally, and it can be due to several reasons such as technical, financial, or legal barriers.
Through the Information Blocking Rule, ONC is targeting these barriers to access. The goal is to promote interoperability among the different entities that handle patient health information. It is intended to prevent any intentional blockades from entities to prevent the sharing of EHR data between those entities.
What does the ONC’s rule contain?
The Information Blocking Rule, which went into effect on April 5, 2021, outlines eight primary categories of prohibited conduct. The categories include restrictions on exporting, certain types of data blocking, limitations on access to health information by developers, and prevention of access to APIs.
One of the essential aspects of the rule is the definition of “electronic health information,” which includes several types of data, such as clinical notes, immunization records, prescribed medications, and lab results.
One of the most important features of the Information Blocking Rule is that it empowers patients to access their health information through Patient Services APIs, making it easier for patients to get their health data from various healthcare providers.
What does this mean for healthcare providers?
Healthcare providers must change their practices to comply with the new regulations. Some hospitals and medical practices may need to amend their policies and procedures, update their EHR systems, or adjust their contracts with third-party vendors. Providers risk fines and penalties if they don’t comply with the rule.
Additionally, individuals who violate the Information Blocking Rule may face penalties of up to $1 million per violation.
Conclusion:
The Information Blocking Rule is a critical regulation that aims to promote interoperability among healthcare entities. The rule will help promote greater transparency and information exchange and stop certain practices of data blocking carried out by specific entities. By empowering patients to access their health information easily, the rule promises to increase transparency and offer many possibilities for innovation and digital transformation, resulting in better healthcare for individuals. Ultimately, this new rule will have a significant impact on the healthcare industry, as providers adjust to new procedures and regulations to comply with the rule.
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