ONC Proposes Rule to Improve Patient Engagement, Information Sharing, and Public Health Interoperability

September 10, 2024 – 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.

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.