Understanding the Information Blocking Final Rule: What Healthcare Providers Need to Know
As healthcare providers continue to realize the true value of electronic health records (EHRs) and other health information technologies (HIT), interoperability has become a top priority. The Information Blocking Final Rule is a new regulation designed to promote the interoperability of EHRs and prevent information blocking practices that threaten patient safety and data sharing.
In this blog, we will discuss what healthcare providers need to know about the Information Blocking Final Rule.
What is Information Blocking?
Information blocking is the practice of intentionally restricting access to electronic health information (EHI) or exchange of that information between authorized and interested parties. It can be in the form of technical, financial, organizational, or other barriers that restrict the flow of EHI.
What is the Information Blocking Final Rule?
On May 1, 2020, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) published the Information Blocking Final Rule, which implements the information blocking provision of the 21st Century Cures Act. This rule aims to ensure that electronic health information is available to patients, providers, and payers in a timely and efficient manner.
What are the Key Provisions of the Rule?
The Information Blocking Final Rule has three key provisions:
1. The anti-information blocking provision: This provision prohibits healthcare providers, IT developers, health information exchanges, and health information networks from engaging in information blocking practices that interfere with access, exchange, or use of EHI.
2. Conditions and maintenance of certification requirements: This requires EHR developers to agree to specific conditions for certification and must update their certification as they make changes to their EHR technology.
3. Application program interface (API) requirement: This requires EHR developers to provide a standardized API that allows healthcare providers and patients easy access to EHI.
What are the Penalties for Noncompliance?
Organizations that willfully violate the Information Blocking Final Rule can face steep financial penalties, exclusion from federal programs, and other enforcement actions.
How does the Rule Affect Healthcare Providers?
Healthcare providers must take proactive steps to ensure compliance with the Information Blocking Final Rule, including:
1. Identifying and documenting situations that may trigger information blocking
2. Developing policies and procedures that prevent information blocking practices
3. Implementing technical safeguards to maximize information sharing
4. Educating staff on the importance of information sharing and the consequences of violating the rule
Conclusion
The Information Blocking Final Rule is a crucial regulation that promotes the interoperability of EHRs and eliminates barriers to access, exchange, and use of electronic health information. Healthcare providers must take measures to ensure they are in compliance with the rule to avoid penalties and violations. By adhering to the rule’s provisions, healthcare providers can improve the quality of care, patient safety, and health outcomes.
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