Understanding the Information Blocking Final Rule: What Healthcare Providers Need to Know
Healthcare providers have a legal and ethical obligation to provide patients with their health information. However, in the past, some providers have intentionally or unintentionally obstructed access to patient information, leading to negative consequences for patients and the healthcare system at large.
To address this issue, the US government has introduced the Information Blocking Final Rule, which aims to promote transparency and honesty in healthcare information-sharing practices. Here’s what healthcare providers need to know about the rule:
What is the Information Blocking Final Rule?
The Information Blocking Final Rule is part of the 21st Century Cures Act, which was signed into law in December 2016. The rule prohibits healthcare providers, health information exchanges (HIEs), and electronic health record (EHR) vendors from blocking the sharing of patient information, with certain exceptions.
These exceptions include protecting patient privacy, ensuring the security of the information being shared, and preventing harm to patients or others. Otherwise, providers who engage in information blocking may face civil monetary penalties, exclusion from federal healthcare programs, and other legal action.
Why was the Information Blocking Final Rule created?
The primary goal of the Information Blocking Final Rule is to improve patient access to their health information. The rule requires healthcare providers to provide electronic access to all patient health information, including lab reports, imaging studies, progress notes, and other clinical notes.
By giving patients greater control over their health information, the rule aims to improve care coordination and patient outcomes. Patients can share their health information with other healthcare providers, researchers, or family members as they see fit, without facing unnecessary delays or roadblocks.
What are the key requirements of the Information Blocking Final Rule?
The Information Blocking Final Rule sets forth several requirements for healthcare providers, HIEs, and EHR vendors. These requirements include:
1. Providing electronic access to all patient health information free of charge.
2. Implementing standardized application programming interfaces (APIs) that enable patients to access and exchange their health information securely.
3. Refraining from engaging in any practices that interfere with the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information.
4. Establishing a process for fulfilling requests for electronic access to health information promptly.
What impact will the Information Blocking Final Rule have on healthcare providers?
The Information Blocking Final Rule represents a significant change in how healthcare providers manage patient health information. Providers will need to invest in new technology and policies to comply with the rule’s requirements, including implementing new APIs and changing existing workflows.
However, compliance with the rule has the potential to bring significant benefits to healthcare providers and patients alike. Providers can expect to see improved care coordination, reduced administrative burden, and increased patient satisfaction due to easier access to health information.
Conclusion
The Information Blocking Final Rule aims to promote transparency and honesty in healthcare information-sharing practices. By requiring healthcare providers, HIEs, and EHR vendors to provide electronic access to all patient health information, the rule aims to improve patient outcomes and care coordination.
While complying with the rule presents some challenges for healthcare providers, the benefits of doing so are clear. Providers who embrace the rule’s requirements can expect to see improved patient outcomes, reduced administrative burden, and increased patient satisfaction.
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