What You Should Know:
– Real Time Medical Systems (RTMS) is defending a preliminary injunction that prevents PointClickCare (PCC) from blocking RTMS’s access to patient electronic health records (EHRs).
– PCC, which owns the EHR platform, attempted to block RTMS’s access to the data by implementing “indecipherable CAPTCHAs,” effectively preventing RTMS from providing its services.
Legal Dispute Overview
RTMS and PCC are competitors in the value-based care/patient analytics market. RTMS uses automated data collection to access patient EHRs stored on PCC’s platform to provide life-saving interventional analytics to Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs). RTMS filed a lawsuit alleging unfair competition and tortious interference with contractual relations. The District Court granted a preliminary injunction in favor of RTMS, preventing PCC from blocking their access.
PCC’s Appeal
PCC is appealing the injunction, arguing that their actions are justified based on security concerns and the 21st Century Cures Act. RTMS argues that PCC’s actions were anti-competitive and motivated by a desire to eliminate a competitor. They claim PCC’s security and feasibility concerns are unfounded and that PCC does not have the right to block access to patient data that it does not own.
Information Blocking
RTMS contends that PCC’s actions constitute information blocking under the Cures Act, as they hindered the access, exchange, and use of electronic health information. RTMS argues that the Cures Act does not preempt their state law claims, as there is no private right of action under the Act and their claims involve conduct beyond the scope of the Act.
Impact for RTMS
RTMS asserts that they would suffer irreparable harm if the injunction is overturned, as they would be unable to access essential data and provide their services. RTMS argues that the balance of hardships favors them, as the injunction allows for fair competition and does not meaningfully burden PCC. The outcome of this appeal could set important precedents for future cases involving data blocking and interoperability in healthcare.
For more information about PointClickCare’s appeal to RTMS, click here
