Information Blocking FAQs Answered: Everything You Need to Know
The healthcare industry has been plagued with issues regarding data sharing. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) published the “ONC Final Rule” in May 2020 to address the matters and encourage patients’ access to their health information. The rule implementation date was April 5, 2021, and since then, many healthcare providers have raised concerns about information blocking. In this article, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about information blocking.
What is Information Blocking?
Information blocking is the practice of intentionally impeding the sharing, transmitting, or accessing of electronic health information (EHI) in a manner that is not permissible under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or other relevant laws. Information blocking leads to challenges in care coordination, quality improvement, and patient empowerment. Patients need their health information for making informed decisions in their care, and the practice of information blocking undermines their autonomy.
What is the ONC Final Rule?
The ONC Final Rule constitutes part of the 21st Century Cures Act and has been developed to improve interoperability and access to EHI. The rule lays out new requirements that healthcare providers, health information exchanges, and health IT developers must follow. The ONC has designated seven exceptions to information blocking, where providers may restrict the access, exchange, or use of EHI.
Who is Subject to the ONC Final Rule?
Healthcare providers, care organizations, and developers of health IT have to comply with the ONC Final Rule. Any entity involved in the electronic exchange of health information, including hospitals, ambulatory care providers, long-term care providers, and behavioral health providers, must comply with the ONC Final Rule.
Which Information is Subject to Interoperability?
All EHI that is within the scope of HIPAA is subject to interoperability. That includes protected health information (PHI) such as demographics, medical history, medical test results, and prescription records. Any patient-generated health information (PGHI), such as wellness data, is not under the scope of interoperability.
What are the Consequences of Information Blocking?
In the current healthcare landscape, information blocking can cause serious consequences. Patients can experience delayed healthcare as they do not have access to their health information, leading to incomplete or redundant testing. Additionally, patient safety can be compromised if care coordination is impeded, leading to medical errors. Providers who do not comply with the ONC Final Rule may face financial penalties, negative publicity, and loss of patient trust.
Conclusion
In conclusion, information blocking is a practice in the healthcare industry that can lead to significant problems in care coordination and patient empowerment. The introduction of the ONC Final Rule aims to reduce these issues by improving interoperability and access to EHI. Healthcare providers, care organizations, and developers of health IT must comply with the rule by implementing appropriate systems and processes for sharing EHI. By following these guidelines, the healthcare industry can provide better care coordination, improve patient outcomes, and empower patients in their healthcare decisions.
