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Interoperability and Information Blocking Regulations
Resources regarding the ONC and CMS final regulations aimed at improving interoperability and patient access to electronic health information.
The 21st Century Cures Act required ONC to develop regulations to improve interoperability and patient access to electronic health information and deter information blocking. ONC and CMS published final regulations that outline a number of requirements for physicians, health IT vendors, health information exchanges, and payers regarding enhancing electronic health information exchange and patient access to their data, including the use of modern health IT standards, standards-based APIs, and guidance regarding information blocking practices. The resources below provide additional information to help members comply with the new Information Blocking compliance requirements that go into effect April 5, 2021.
On September 14, 2021, the ONC held a webinar that went over the information blocking rules and exceptions, including some real-world examples of common situations and question that come up in practice.
- Webinar Recording (1 hr)
- Webinar Slides
Things to Know about Information Blocking
Overview of the regulation, key dates, what is expected of physicians, and additional resources.
FAQs
- To Block or Not Block (Info Blocking Exceptions)
Describes the various exceptions to claim and document if deciding not to share information.
- EHR and Health IT System Updates
Describes EHR functionality needed and highlights questions to ask your vendor.
- Patient Access
Describes how to address questions and concerns around patients’ increased access to health information.
Information Blocking Key Terms and Acronyms
Key terms, definitions, and acronyms associated with the regulations.
More Resources
- ACP Resources
- Summary of the ONC 21st Century Cures Act: Interoperability, Information Blocking, and the ONC Health IT Certification Program Final Regulation
- Summary of the CMS Interoperability and Patient Access Final Regulation
- Information Blocking Resource Center – ACP’s collaboration with CHIMA, AMA, AHIMA, MGMA, and others on resource center to help clinicians with the Information Blocking rule regulations.
- ONC Regulations
- EHI Fact Sheet and Blog Post
- Information Blocking
- Information Blocking FAQ
- Permitted Uses and Disclosures: Exchange for Health Care Operations
- Permitted Uses and Disclosures: Exchange for Treatment
- Information Blocking
- Guide to Privacy and Security of Health Information - This ONC instructional guide is designed to help practices understand the important role privacy and security play in the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and Promoting Interoperability.
- EHI Fact Sheet and Blog Post
- HHS Resources