The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a Dec. 17, that includes a new information blocking (45 CFR Part 171) exception and other updates to protect providers and patients concerned that sharing data about lawfully provided reproductive care services could result in legal action or privacy concerns under certain circumstances. The 黑料网® (黑料网®) supported finalization of these protections.
The exception was originally a subcomponent of a proposed rule that covered various electronic health record (EHR)/health IT certification criteria and Information Blocking regulatory updates. All other proposals from the rulemaking commented on by 黑料网 — including those related to imaging links in certified EHRs and a new information blocking exception for following patient communication timing preferences — will be handled via a future final rule.
For more information about information blocking rules in general, visit 黑料网’s related resource page. For questions about digital health policy, contact Michael Peters, 黑料网 Senior Director, Government Affairs.