Organizations Request Delay of Information Blocking Deadline
The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives known as CHIME and nine other healthcare industry groups are asking HHS to push back the information blocking compliance deadline, currently scheduled for October 6, 2022.
The Cures Act Final Rule, published in October 2020 limited the scope of electronic health information (EHI) to the United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) version 1. This included important clinical data such as notes from doctors visits. However, anticipating an October 6, 2022 expansion beyond USCDI version 1, EHI will now be defined much more broadly to include all unstructured data.
The associations wrote to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in a letter that "our members are not ready" because they lack a clear understanding of and technical infrastructure to support secure exchanges. “Our members have been working hard toward getting compliant by the expanded electronic health information (EHI) definition's deadline,” they added. “They are doing everything possible with whatever resources they have to ensure that they are prepared to comply.”
Even though we have tried to educate our members, big gaps in knowledge and confusion still exist among providers and vendors about how to carry out and enforce information blocking regulations,” the industry groups went on to say.
CHIME stated that there is a requirement for more explicit guidance to certify that all healthcare providers are aware of the multiple policies' complexities.
Although many organizations have been working to help the healthcare industry interpret and follow information blocking rules, understanding in the sector has remained static, said the groups.
The organizations explained that since providers and others will be held accountable for electronic health information (EHI) interoperability, it is critical that there is consistency in how EHI is interpreted. They went on to say that confusion still exists regarding how the eight exceptions to information blocking should be applied when EHI cannot or should not be exchanged.
Healthcare industry groups are concerned that the new information blocking standards will have a negative impact on small and rural providers.
The organizations explained that if even large providers have trouble understanding the policies, smaller ones with fewer resources are even more confused - if they're aware of the policies at all. In fact, most small clinicians and providers remain unaware of these requirements but rely heavily on their vendors. Unfortunately, vendor readiness is lagging as well, and upgrades aren't required to be completed until December 31st, 2022; three months after provider compliance is due.
Going ahead with data requirements that are vague and inconsistencies in how they're shared could burden healthcare providers even more, CHIME warned. These providers have already said they're anxious about not being able to comply, the letter stated.
The organizations asked HHS to wait a year before enforcing any compliance penalties or conducting investigations. Instead, they should use "corrective action warning communication" to let providers know if they aren't meeting the requirements yet.
“Our organizations applaud the Department's efforts to improve interoperability and guarantee that patients have access to their health data,” it added. “Given the crucial significance of these rules, we want them to be implemented as smoothly and effectively as possible for both patients and healthcare providers.”
ForeSee Medical urges CMS to STICK TO THE CURRENT DEADLINE. The adoption of advanced interoperability standards is a patient safety issue. For too long the industry has engaged in data blocking that is not in the interest of patients or vendors that assist in promoting high quality care. Just say no to extending the timeline, no to information blocking and yes to implementing the rules now, after all the industry has had years to prepare!
At ForeSee Medical, we are tracking all of the latest standards. Our HCC risk adjustment coding software was designed and built ready to exchange data that conforms with the Information Blocking Final Rule mandate.
Blog by: The ForeSee Medical Team