ONC Proposes Rule to Improve Patient Engagement, Information Sharing, and Public Health Interoperability
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) recently released its Patient Engagement, Information Sharing, and Public Health Interoperability (HTI-2) proposed rule, which is a continuation of the HTI-1 rule finalized in December.
Regulatory Updates
The rule furthers ONC’s efforts to advance interoperability and improve information sharing in alignment with recently finalized CMS policies. Specific proposals include:
- Adjustments to certain “exceptions” to the information blocking regulations to cover additional practices that have recently been identified by the regulated community, including a new “Protecting Care Access” exception, which would cover practices an actor takes in certain circumstances to reduce its risk of legal exposure stemming from sharing information.
- Updates to federal EHR certification criteria and standards to facilitate public health reporting and electronic prior authorization using certified Health IT.
- A new, real-time prescription benefit tool certification criterion, which would empower providers and their patients to make more informed decisions with more transparent information comparing the patient-specific cost of drugs and suitable alternatives
Comments are due on October 4, 2024. HRS will review these proposals and determine whether comments are warranted.