The Information Blocking Rule 2022 is set to come into effect on April 5, 2022, and healthcare professionals and organizations need to be prepared for its impact. This rule stems from the 21st Century Cures Act, aimed at providing patients with access to their health records. The rule intends to address issues surrounding the information blocking that happens when electronic health record (EHR) vendors, developers, and healthcare providers restrict access to electronic health data.
Here are the top 5 things that healthcare professionals and organizations need to know about the Information Blocking Rule 2022:
1. The information blocking rule applies to developers, operators of health information exchanges (HIEs), and healthcare providers.
The rule applies to a broad range of stakeholders, including EHR vendors and healthcare providers. Developers and operators of HIEs also fall under the scope of the rule. Healthcare providers should familiarize themselves with the specifics of the rule and its requirements, as failure to comply with the rule can result in significant consequences.
2. The rule prohibits information blocking practices that hinder the access to electronic health information (EHI).
Healthcare providers or other stakeholders that engage in information blocking practices may face legal penalties. The rule defines information blocking as any practice that prevents, materially discourages, or undermines the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information (EHI).
3. The rule emphasizes that patients should have access to their EHI without unnecessary delays.
One of the core objectives of the rule is to give patients greater control over their health information. Healthcare providers must provide patients with full and complete access to their health information and cannot delay or restrict access to it.
4. The rule requires that fees for accessing EHI must be reasonable, transparent, and based on actual costs incurred.
Although healthcare providers can charge fees for accessing EHI, such fees must be reasonable, transparent, and based on actual costs incurred. The rule prohibits healthcare providers from imposing fees that are not reasonably related to the cost of providing access to EHI.
5. The rule includes provisions to improve interoperability and promote innovation.
The Information Blocking Rule includes several provisions aimed at improving interoperability and promoting innovation, such as the requirement to use standardized API interfaces to facilitate data sharing across healthcare organizations.
In conclusion, the Information Blocking Rule 2022 will have significant consequences for healthcare providers and other stakeholders in the healthcare industry. It is essential to understand the nuances of the rule and its requirements to ensure compliance and avoid legal penalties. By embracing the rule’s principles and requirements, healthcare organizations can improve patient outcomes, increase transparency, and promote innovation in the healthcare industry.
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