What You Should Know:
– The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has taken a significant step towards improving healthcare information exchange with the release of the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Patient Engagement, Information Sharing, and Public Health Interoperability (HTI-2) proposed rule.
– The HTI-2 rule marks a major advancement in interoperability by focusing on seamless data exchange between patients, providers, payers, and public health authorities.
Focus on Interoperability and Information Sharing
This proposed rule builds upon the prior HTI-1 rule and reflects the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology’s (ONC) commitment to streamline information exchange between various healthcare stakeholders. The key areas of focus include:
- Improved Public Health Response: The HTI-2 rule introduces new certification criteria specifically designed for health IT used in public health settings. Developed alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this initiative aims to support their Data Modernization Initiative by promoting better data exchange between healthcare providers and public health organizations.
- Advancing Value-Based Care: Another first is the inclusion of new certification criteria for health IT utilized by payers. This aligns with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Interoperability and Prior Authorization final rule, ultimately contributing to the delivery of value-based care.
Standardization and Technology Enhancements
The proposed rule emphasizes the use of standards-based application programming interfaces (APIs) for seamless data exchange. Additionally, it proposes several technology and standards updates including:
- Enhanced Data Exchange: The ability to exchange clinical images like X-rays is proposed, facilitating a more comprehensive view of a patient’s medical history.
- Stronger Security: Increased security measures are proposed, including the addition of multi-factor authentication support.
- USCDI v4 Adoption: The rule proposes mandating the adoption of United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) version 4 by January 1, 2028, providing industry with long-term planning clarity.
Empowering Patients and Providers
The HTI-2 proposal includes measures to empower patients and providers:
- Real-time Prescription Benefit Tool: A new certification criterion proposes the inclusion of a real-time prescription benefit tool. This tool would allow providers and patients to compare the costs of various medications and suitable alternatives, leading to more informed healthcare decisions.
- Protecting Reproductive Health Information: The proposed rule introduces a new “Protecting Care Access” information blocking exception. This exception addresses concerns about providers withholding a patient’s reproductive health information due to potential legal repercussions.
Public Comment and Next Steps
The HTI-2 proposed rule is available for public comment for 60 days. Additionally, ONC will be hosting information sessions to provide further details. This initiative signifies a crucial step towards a more connected and efficient healthcare system, ultimately leading to better patient care outcomes.
“The HTI-2 proposed rule is a tour de force. We have harnessed all the tools at ONC’s disposal to advance HHS-wide interoperability priorities,” said Micky Tripathi, Ph.D., national coordinator for health information technology. “As always, we look forward to reviewing public comments and engaging with the health IT community in the weeks and months ahead.”
