Information Blocking & Access: Bridging Compliance in Release of Information

 The FHIMA Advocacy and Public Policy Committee keeps our members informed regarding Information blocking and access, and bridging compliance in the release of information. Tools you can use are listed below:

1.    The ONC Cures Act Final Rule implements interoperability requirements outlined in the Cures Act. Patients need more power in their health care, and access to information is key to making that happen.

Putting the patient first in health technology enables the healthcare system to deliver:

• Transparency into the cost and outcomes of their care
• Competitive options in getting medical care
• Modern smartphone apps to provide them convenient access to their records
• An app economy that provides patients, physicians, hospitals, payers, and employers with innovation and choice

2.   Frequently asked questions regarding ONC's Cures Act Final Rule on information blocking. Link: Information Blocking FAQs

3.   Lauren Riplinger, JD, Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs for AHIMA was interviewed recently by McGuireWoods LLP regarding information blocking and trends in interoperability. Here's the link to this free video: https://youtu.be/uHNpcSXDYYY

4.   Information Blocking & Access: Bridging Compliance in Release of Information free webinar from Verisma. Presenters are:

• Elisabeth Myers, MBA, Deputy Director, Office of Policy, HHS Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT
• Timothy Noonan, JD, Deputy Director for Health Information Privacy at the HHS Office for Civil Rights

This free webinar is an unprecedented opportunity to learn directly from the Office for Civil Rights and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, the agencies that oversee and enforce regulations concerning access and interoperability of protected health information.

Access is at the heart of new regulatory changes that impact Release of Information (ROI) policy and practices. Agency experts will discuss the regulatory goals and vision, how their respective Rules protect and promote access, and their plans for education, technical assistance, and enforcement. They will answer questions posed by participants and discuss how best to approach health information access and compliance. Don’t miss this important agency discussion of patient access to their health information.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how the ONC Cures Act Final Rule promotes access through technology innovation
• Understand how the OCR proposed modifications to the HIPAA Privacy Rule advance access through policy modernization
• Consider how covered entities should adopt and adapt for compliance in coming year. Identify the specific impacts for release of information.

For your reference, here is a link to the recording (password: Verisma616): https://bit.ly/3gwNmqU

5.   AHIMA's "On-Demand- Practical Steps in Complying with The 21st Century Cures Act and Information Blocking." Purchase Product #: AUDA020121. Category: Webinar Recordings. Receive a high-level overview of the Cures Act Final Rule. The presentation also includes an information blocking checklist that can help with compliance. Earn 1 CEU.  

6.   View the ONC Cures Act Final Rule here