On August 5, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Patient Engagement, Information Sharing, and Public Health Interoperability (HTI-2) proposed rule to enhance healthcare data interoperability. According to the agency, the rule seeks to “improve information sharing among patients, providers, payers, and public health authorities.” It follows the HTI-1 rule published in the Federal Register earlier this year in January.
According to an accompanying Overview document, the key proposals include the following:
- A new baseline version of USCDI;
- Minimum Standards Code Set updates;
- Bulk Data Enhancements;
- Electronic Prior Authorization;
- Information Blocking;
- TEFCA (Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement); and
- A new and Revised Standards and Certification Criteria Proposal.
The HTI-2 Proposed Rule aims to improve patient care by facilitating better access, exchange, and use of electronic health information (EHI). The Executive Summary of the rule states, “Transparency regarding healthcare information and activities—as well as the interoperability and electronic exchange of health information—are all in the best interest of the patient.” For this reason, it also states that these are “central to the efforts of [HHS] to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans.”
The rule proposes to implement these changes through updates to existing certification criteria, introduction of new criteria, adoption of updated standards and implementation specifications, such as the United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI Version 4), and modifications to information blocking regulations. Notably, it introduces new certification requirements for real-time prescription benefit tools and standardized APIs for public health data exchange, including for electronic prior authorization, patient access, care management, and care coordination.
This rule would primarily impact health IT developers, healthcare providers, payers, and patients. It also affects public health authorities, and other entities involved in health information exchange. The rule aims to create a more connected healthcare ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.
The proposed rule has a 60-day comment period that ends on October 4, 2024.
Categories: DATA ACCESS & INTEROPERABILITY, Uncategorized
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