Heathcare policy and regulation
Health information technology policy and regulation encompass guidelines, standards and laws designed to govern the use, management, exchange and protection of electronic health information. Read how federal, state and local rulemaking ensures data privacy, improves healthcare outcomes, enhances system efficiency, and maintains data security.
Top Stories
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News
22 Oct 2026
Developers, not doctors, should be held accountable for generative AI medical devices, providers say
Provider groups flocked to comment on a proposal from the Food and Drug Administration on regulating generative AI-backed medical devices. Continue Reading
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News
01 Sep 2026
200+ stakeholders push back on CMS plan to cut third-party RPM payments
Various groups, including trade associations, health systems and RPM companies, are raising the alarm over the potential fallout from the CMS proposal. Continue Reading
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News
01 Sep 2026
Health disparities persist in patient portal signups, messaging
Racial health disparities in patient portals utilization still vex healthcare organizations, with racial minorities not getting the most out of the technology, studies show. Continue Reading
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24 Aug 2026
Does low health literacy dampen the 21st Century Cures Act's impact?
Although two-thirds of patients look at their lab results immediately, nearly a third said their understanding of the results is fair at best. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Aug 2026
RPM vendors warn of patient care hurdles if CMS proposal goes through
CMS' proposal to end Medicare payment for third-party RPM services could disrupt access to care for vulnerable populations with chronic diseases, RPM providers caution. Continue Reading
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News
23 Mar 2026
FTC creates healthcare task force
The task force will share resources and coordinate enforcement across the FTC’s disparate bureaus to better address consumer protection and competition issues in healthcare. Continue Reading
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16 Mar 2026
Athenahealth uses Health Tech Ecosystem to unify patient experience
A step forward in its Health Tech Ecosystem pledge, athenahealth has partnered with b.well to let patients lead their health data sharing through a QR code. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Mar 2026
Where healthcare stands on interoperability in 2026: progress and challenges
At HIMSS, health IT leaders discussed the industry's progress on improving interoperability through TEFCA, federal initiatives and data quality efforts. Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2026
Industry groups weigh in on HTI-5 proposed rule
The HTI-5 proposed rule aims to accelerate FHIR-based API adoption, tighten information blocking rules and reduce health IT certification criteria, all in an effort to deregulate. Continue Reading
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23 Dec 2025
Trump administration nixes Biden-era health IT policies, including AI ‘model cards’
Two proposed rules released Monday would pare back government guardrails around health information technology software, including some put forward by the Biden administration. Continue Reading
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17 Dec 2025
Lawmakers worry about new VA Oracle EHR rollouts
Thirteen medical centers are scheduled to go live with the Oracle EHR next year. But the embattled project hasn’t fully implemented most recommendations from the Government Accountability Office. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Dec 2025
Do information blocking, test result rules hurt patients?
Immediate resulting provisions under information blocking rules might warrant another look to allow doctors to counsel their patients through potentially serious test results. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Oct 2025
2026's top healthcare and pharma conferences
From revenue cycle management strategies to digital transformation, healthcare and pharma leaders can learn from some of the industry's biggest events. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2025
What is Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Sep 2025
What is HL7 (Health Level Seven International)?
HL7 (Health Level Seven International) is an accredited, not-for-profit organization that develops frameworks and standards used worldwide for health IT applications to retrieve, exchange, share and integrate electronic health information. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2025
What is HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)?
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is United States legislation that provides national standards to prevent protected health information (PHI) from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Aug 2025
What is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the United States' national public health agency. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Aug 2025
TEFCA participants liable for federal information blocking rule
New FAQs clarify that penalties could apply for restricting TEFCA freedom of choice. Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2025
ONC: As patient engagement tech soars, a digital divide opens
More organizations have adopted patient engagement technology capabilities, but have they also deepened a digital divide? Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Aug 2025
What is meaningful use stage 3?
Meaningful use stage 3 is the third phase of the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program, commonly called the 'meaningful use' (MU) program. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Aug 2025
In or out? TEFCA participation rules limit some providers
Some providers may not seem to fit under the current definition of a HIPAA-covered entity, but one expert recommends a thorough review of transactions to check TEFCA eligibility. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2025
What is the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)?
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is a leading professional organization focused on advancing the practice and standards of health information management (HIM). Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2025
What is good automated manufacturing practice (GAMP)?
Good automated manufacturing practice (GAMP) is a set of guidelines for pharmaceutical manufacturers. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2025
What is the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level agency in the executive branch of the federal government, tasked with protecting the health and well-being of all Americans. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2025
ASTP/ONC taps Thomas Keane for national coordinator role
Thomas Keane, M.D., M.B.A., brings prior ONC experience as he's slated to lead ASTP/ONC. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 May 2025
What is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA, ACA or Obamacare)?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), formally known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, is a landmark healthcare law Congress enacted and former President Barack Obama signed in March 2010. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 May 2025
How the MATCH IT Act aims to reduce patient misidentification
The MATCH IT Act attempts to decrease patient misidentification, improve patient safety and privacy and bring down costs. Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2024
HTI-3 final rule updates information blocking exceptions
The Health Data, Technology and Interoperability: Protecting Care Access (HTI-3) final rule adds a new information blocking exception to protect access to reproductive healthcare. Continue Reading
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12 Dec 2024
ASTP releases HTI-2 final rule to drive interoperability
While the HTI-2 proposed rule included a wide range of initiatives, the final rule focuses on a scaled-back set of proposals related to TEFCA and information blocking. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Oct 2024
Healthcare provider tips to avoid information blocking
Enforcement of the information blocking rule is underway, with a final rule from HHS and CMS outlining significant penalties for healthcare providers. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2024
ASTP highlights ongoing issues with information blocking
Despite prohibition of information blocking in April 2021, issues with the access, exchange and use of electronic health information (EHI) persist across the care continuum. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Oct 2024
What is an electronic health record (EHR)?
An electronic health record (EHR) is an individual's official health document that's shared among multiple facilities and agencies. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2024
Tripathi: Behavior is biggest health data exchange barrier
With hundreds of information blocking complaints reported to ASTP/ONC, the agency is ramping up oversight and enforcement efforts to address health data exchange barriers. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Oct 2024
What is PHI (protected or personal health information)?
Protected health information (PHI), also referred to as 'personal health information,' is the demographic information, medical histories, test and laboratory results, physical and mental health conditions, insurance information and other data that a healthcare professional collects to identify an individual and determine appropriate care. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Sep 2024
What is HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health) Act of 2009?
The HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health) Act of 2009 is legislation that was created to stimulate the adoption of electronic health records (EHR) and the supporting technology in the United States. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Sep 2024
What is pay for performance (P4P)?
Pay for performance (P4P) in healthcare is a payment model where hospitals, physicians and other healthcare workers are given financial incentives for meeting performance objectives. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Sep 2024
Key challenges for the California Data Exchange Framework
While California's Data Exchange Framework (DxF) aims to enhance statewide data sharing, success hinges on integrating community-based organizations and focusing on specific use cases. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2024
What is ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification)?
The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, also known simply as ICD-9-CM, is the U.S. healthcare system's adaptation of the World Health Organization's (WHO) ICD-9 standard list of six-character alphanumeric codes to describe medical diagnoses and procedures and to track diseases and mortality. Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2024
HHS proposed rule seeks to align health IT investments
The proposed rule, which is available for public comment until October 8, 2024, would require HHS contractors to use certified health IT to promote interoperability. Continue Reading
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25 Jul 2024
HHS reorganizes for coordination across health data policy
The HHS reorganization aims to improve coordination for strategy and policy across health data, cybersecurity, AI and technology as digital health transformation progresses. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2024
HHS releases HTI-2 proposed rule for interoperability
HHS's HTI-2 proposed rule aims to improve health data interoperability with new certification criteria and updates to information blocking regulations. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2024
HHS establishes provider information blocking disincentives
A new HHS final rule outlines information blocking disincentives for healthcare providers across several CMS programs, including the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2024
personally identifiable information (PII)
Personally identifiable information (PII) is any data that could potentially identify a specific individual. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jun 2024
ICD-10-CM (Clinical Modification)
The ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification) is a system used by physicians and other healthcare providers to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms and procedures related to inpatient and outpatient medical care in the United States. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2024
electronic protected health information (ePHI)
Electronic protected health information (ePHI) is protected health information that is produced, saved, transferred or received in an electronic form. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Feb 2024
ICD-10-PCS (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Procedure Coding System)
The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) is an American adaptation of the World Health Organization's ICD-10 system, tailored for procedural coding in inpatient and hospital settings. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Feb 2024
ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision)
The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), is a global standard for classifying and coding mortality and morbidity data. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Jan 2024
What Providers Can Expect for Information Blocking Enforcement
Information blocking enforcement across healthcare providers is on the horizon, with a proposed rule from CMS that would establish disincentives tied to Medicare reimbursement. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2024
Safeguards Needed for Generative AI EHR Data Summarization
A viewpoint published in JAMA notes that EHR data summarization LLMs could perpetuate bias, underscoring the need for FDA oversight. Continue Reading
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17 Jan 2024
CMS Releases Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule
The CMS final rule requires impacted payers to implement an HL7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) API to automate the prior authorization process between providers and payers. Continue Reading
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03 Jan 2024
ONC Final Rule Updates Health IT Certification for Interoperability
The final rule updates the baseline version of the United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) standard to Version 3 for the ONC Health IT Certification Program. Continue Reading
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20 Dec 2023
GAO Appoints New Members to Health IT Advisory Committee
GAO added five new health IT leaders to the committee, including Lee Fleisher, MD, former chief medical officer and director of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality at CMS. Continue Reading
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13 Dec 2023
ONC Finalizes Rule to Drive Health IT Interoperability, AI Transparency
The final rule adopts USCDI Version 3 as the new baseline standard within the ONC Health IT Certification Program to advance health IT interoperability. Continue Reading
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07 Dec 2023
ONC Launches New USCDI+ Platform to Drive Data Harmonization
According to ONC officials, the platform provides an enhanced user experience compared to previous USCDI+ data collection and review tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Aug 2023
How NCQA is Driving Health Equity Through Inclusive HEDIS Measures
NCQA recently removed gendered language from several HEDIS measures to drive care access and health equity for LGBTQ+ individuals. Continue Reading
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21 Jul 2023
ONC Adds 20 New Data Elements to USCDI v4 to Drive Interoperability
Based on stakeholder feedback, ONC added a data element to USCDI v4 that aims to improve the interoperability of allergen information. Continue Reading
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26 Jun 2023
Oklahoma Governor Rejects Proposed Rule Changes for Statewide HIE
Healthcare providers across the state have argued that a statewide health information exchange (HIE) would be a violation of patient privacy. Continue Reading
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22 Jun 2023
HIA Calls ONC to Reconsider Health IT Requirements of Proposed Rule
In a letter to ONC, the Healthcare Innovation Alliance (HIA) called for careful consideration of timelines for changes to the health IT certification program. Continue Reading
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18 May 2023
Health IT Advocacy Group Winds Down Operations After 22 Years
Executives for Health Innovation (EHI) brought together stakeholders from across the health sector to drive health IT advocacy efforts. Continue Reading
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17 May 2023
EHR Documentation Time Dips After CMS E/M Coding Changes
While EHR documentation time has decreased since CMS changed its E/M coding requirements in 2021, the degree of reduction is less than CMS estimated. Continue Reading
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20 Apr 2023
VA Executives Call for Modifications to House EHR Reform Proposals
If passed, the EHR Modernization Improvement Act would prevent VA from implementing its new EHR at additional facilities without sign-off from senior clinicians. Continue Reading
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03 Apr 2023
Senate Republicans Introduce VA EHRM Standardization, Accountability Act
The VA EHRM Standardization and Accountability Act would create a rigorous list of requirements the agency must meet before further implementation. Continue Reading
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30 Mar 2023
Senate Democrats Plan to Introduce Legislation for VA EHRM Program Overhaul
The bill aims to restructure, enhance, and strengthen the VA EHRM program while mandating aggressive reporting to Congress to increase oversight. Continue Reading
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24 Mar 2023
Democratic Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Revamp VA EHRM Management
The IT Modernization Improvement Act would require VA to contract for an independent assessment of four IT programs, including the EHRM. Continue Reading
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10 Mar 2023
Biden’s 2024 Fiscal Budget Request Seeks $1.9B for VA EHR Modernization
The fiscal 2024 budget request asks Congress for additional funding to support the troubled VA EHR modernization project. Continue Reading
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01 Feb 2023
House Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Amend VA EHR Modernization Program
The VA EHR Modernization Improvement Act would require senior clinician sign-off for VA to implement the Oracle Cerner EHR platform at additional facilities. Continue Reading
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03 Jan 2023
EHNAC Announces Finalized 2023 Health IT Accreditation Criteria
The new health IT accreditation criteria include updates to the EHNAC ePrescribing accreditation program (ePAP-EHN). Continue Reading
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21 Dec 2022
HHS Proposes New Data Standards for Electronic Health Data Sharing
The proposed data standards aim to create a consistent framework to support the needs for electronic health data sharing, including healthcare claims, prior authorization transactions, and signatures. Continue Reading
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20 Dec 2022
GAO Appoints 7 Members to Health IT Advisory Committee
The new members of the Health IT Advisory Committee include experts in prescription drug monitoring data exchange and patient management of health data. Continue Reading
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14 Nov 2022
ONC Outlines Health IT Certification Tips for 2015 Edition Cures Update
While ONC Health IT Certification Program participation is voluntary, not complying with the 2015 Edition Cures Update can negatively affect end users’ ability to meet other HHS requirements. Continue Reading
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07 Oct 2022
ONC Announces LEAP in Health IT Awardees Centered on Health Equity
AllianceChicago is piloting a health IT project with community partners to use HL7 FHIR to better address SDOH for individuals experiencing homelessness. Continue Reading
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05 Oct 2022
The Joint Commission Joins White House Coalition for SDOH Data Collection
The Sync for Social Needs coalition aims to support health equity by improving SDOH data collection, including nutrition information, in the EHR. Continue Reading
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03 Oct 2022
ONC Outlines Cures Act Information Blocking Reminders for EHI
The information blocking regulation's definition of EHI will extend from data in the USCDI version 1 to all EHI on October 6th, per the ONC Cures Act. Continue Reading
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30 Sep 2022
EHNAC Releases 2023 Health IT Accreditation Criteria for Public Review
Healthcare stakeholders can review EHNAC’s new versions of program criteria for health IT accreditation until November 28. Continue Reading
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28 Jul 2022
ONC Mulls Health Information Exchange Data for Patient-Centered Research
ONC plans to implement data standards, APIs, and machine learning (ML) infrastructure to leverage health information exchange data for patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) about COVID-19. Continue Reading
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21 Jul 2022
EHNAC Releases New Criteria for Health IT Accreditation Programs
The updated health IT accreditation criteria was revived to align with federal regulations such as HIPAA/HITECH, 21st Century Cures Act, and TEFCA. Continue Reading
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18 Jul 2022
EHR Documentation Time Unaffected by Cures Act Patient Access Rule
Clinicians have not changed their EHR documentation practices in light of The Cures Act final rule mandating patient access to EHR data. Continue Reading
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11 Jul 2022
ONC Approves New Testing Method for Standardized API Criterion
Approving a new testing method provides health IT developers with another option for testing standardized API criteria for the ONC Health IT Certification Program. Continue Reading
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05 Jul 2022
Guidance Needed on Information Blocking Rule Research Implications
While the information blocking rule applies to clinical research data sharing, it is unclear how organizations should negotiate the law in the context of existing regulations. Continue Reading
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30 Jun 2022
ONC Announces Approved Health IT Data Standards for SVAP
The newest version of SVAP will advance ten health IT data standards that ONC said respond to industry needs. Continue Reading
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27 Jun 2022
Biden Signs Law to Improve VA EHRM Program Transparency
This law will require the VA to provide Congress with periodic reports regarding EHRM program progress and costs, in hopes of increasing transparency. Continue Reading
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03 Jun 2022
How ONC Can Improve Electronic Prior Authorization Data Standards
Information exchange barriers have impacted patients, caregivers, clinicians, and payers, notably in the case of prior electronic authorization, the lack of data standards has led to burden among these groups. Continue Reading
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31 May 2022
Senate Passes Legislation for VA EHRM Program Transparency, Reporting
If signed into law, the legislation will help increase EHRM program transparency by requiring the VA secretary to submit periodic reports to Congress. Continue Reading
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26 May 2022
CMS Needs Better Medicaid Data Quality to Support Health Equity
A national Medicaid survey could help improve race and ethnicity data quality to strengthen health equity efforts. Continue Reading
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18 May 2022
ONC PHIT Workforce Program Recipients Take Strides Toward Diversity
In late 2021, the ONC Public Health Informatics & Technology Workforce Development Program (PHIT Workforce Program) allotted $73 million to increase diversity within the health IT industry. Continue Reading
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09 May 2022
Healthcare Orgs Call Congress to Remove National Patient Identifier Ban
Over 100 healthcare organizations signed a letter urging Congress to remove language in a bill that prohibits the use of federal dollars to adopt a national patient identifier standard. Continue Reading
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29 Apr 2022
ONC Celebrates 18 Years of Advancing Health IT
Since its inception in April 2004, ONC has made considerable advancements to health IT, such as the passage of the HITECH Act and 21st Century Cures Act. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Apr 2022
pharmaceutical detailing
Pharmaceutical detailing is a 1:1 marketing technique pharmaceutical companies use to educate a physician about a vendor's products, hoping that the physician will prescribe the company's products more often. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2022
US Attorney Alleges EHR Vendor Practice Fusion Violated DPA
EHR vendor Practice Fusion has allegedly failed to comply with its DPA after admitting to a kickback scheme to increase opioid prescriptions in 2020. Continue Reading
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02 Mar 2022
AMA Applauds CMS Decision to Re-Open MIPS Application Period
AMA noted that the CMS decision to re-open the MIPS application period will help physicians avoid a negative 2023 payment adjustment. Continue Reading
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23 Feb 2022
How Health IT Design, Data Standards Can Help Boost Health Equity
Ensuring health IT developers design systems with a particular focus on health equity is critical, ONC officials noted. Continue Reading
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10 Feb 2022
How Hospitals Should Approach EHR Self-Assessment, ONC SAFER Guides
Hospitals should take a multidisciplinary approach when using the ONC SAFER Guides for EHR self-assessment, an article published in JAMA noted. Continue Reading
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09 Feb 2022
How ONC Ensures Certified Health IT Conformance Post Lab-Testing
Since 2017, ONC and ONC-Authorized Certification Bodies have reviewed and acted on 383 complaints regarding certified health IT products. Continue Reading
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24 Jan 2022
ONC Calls for Input on Electronic Prior Authorization Data Standards
ONC has called on stakeholders to submit input related to electronic prior authorization data standards and health IT implementation specifications. Continue Reading
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22 Dec 2021
GAO Appoints Seven New Members to Health IT Advisory Committee
GAO has added seven new members to the Health IT Advisory Committee (HITAC) from the private and public sectors. Continue Reading
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News
17 Nov 2021
How Data Exchange Laws May Affect Information Blocking Exceptions
In a recent blog post, ONC’s Steven Posnack noted the importance of understanding the information blocking provisions in context with additional data exchange laws. Continue Reading
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08 Nov 2021
Biden Nominates Former Microsoft Exec as VA CIO, Secretary for IT
If confirmed by the Senate, the former Microsoft health IT executive will join the VA as CIO during the department’s rocky EHR implementation. Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2021
ONC Shifts SVAP Timeline, Health IT Data Standards Coordination
ONC has announced changes to its SVAP timeline to better support the health IT data standards community. Continue Reading
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14 Sep 2021
Should EHR Vendors Share Health IT Patient Safety Responsibility?
CMS should require EHR vendors to conduct self-assessments on their health IT products to ensure patient safety, according to a JAMA op-ed. Continue Reading
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23 Aug 2021
How a 21st Century Cures 2.0 Could Support Patient Experience Data
Over 20 advocacy organizations penned a letter in support of the Cures 2.0 discussion draft which emphasizes patient experience data exchange. Continue Reading
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19 Jul 2021
ONC Drafts Health IT Developer Measures for EHR Reporting Program
The draft set of developer measures are for health IT certification through the Cures Act’s EHR reporting program and focus on healthcare interoperability. Continue Reading
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28 Jun 2021
What Providers Should Know for CMS Interoperability Rule Compliance
CMS will enforce the CMS Interoperability and Patient Access final rule requirements starting on July 1, 2021. Continue Reading