Resources regarding the ASTP/ONC and CMS regulations aimed at improving interoperability and patient access to electronic health information.
The 21st Century Cures Act required the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC) to develop regulations to improve interoperability and patient access to electronic health information and deter information blocking. Information blocking is the act of intentionally withholding patient information, which includes when an entity within the health care system interferes with, prevents, or discourages the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information (EHI). Physicians, hospitals, health IT developers of certified health IT, health information exchanges (HIE) and health information networks (HIN), referred to collectively as 鈥渁ctors,鈥 are all subject to ONC's information blocking regulations. The resources below provide additional information to help members comply with information blocking requirements as regulators continue to implement the Cures Act.
What鈥檚 New
On April 22, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights published a Final Rule modifying HIPAA regulations to prohibit the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI) of lawful reproductive health care in certain circumstances. The Rule applies to covered health care clinicians, health plans, or health care clearinghouses or their business associates that receive PHI requests. The Rule also finalized a new definition of reproductive health care. Find more details about the rule and new definition of reproductive health care here.
Things to Know about Information Blocking
Overview of the regulations, key dates, what is expected of physicians, and additional resources.
More Resources
- ACP Case Study on Information Blocking
- ACP Reproductive Health Resource
- - 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.