As nurses, we play a vital role in ensuring patient safety and quality care. Keeping ourselves informed about evolving regulations and policies that impact healthcare is crucial. This fact sheet provides an overview of the Health Information Blocking Rule, a recent policy implemented by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) in the United States.

What is the Health Information Blocking Rule?

The Health Information Blocking Rule, finalized in May 2020, aims to promote the seamless exchange of electronic health information (EHI) among patients, providers, and authorized third parties. It prohibits practices that intentionally impede or limit this exchange, promoting interoperability and data accessibility.

Key Provisions for Nurses:

• Notifying patients of their right to access and share their EHI: Nurses can help patients understand this right and facilitate access through patient portals or other means.
• Supporting patient engagement in care coordination: Patients empowered to share their EHI can participate more actively in care decisions across different providers.
• Enabling authorized third-party applications to access EHI: This allows for innovative tools and services to support patient care, potentially impacting areas like medication management, remote monitoring, and personalized health interventions.
• Standardizing data formats and sharing practices: Streamlines information exchange, reducing manual tasks and improving data accuracy for nurses.

Benefits for Nurses and Patients:

• Improved care coordination: Sharing EHI seamlessly across institutions empowers healthcare teams to make informed decisions and provide better-coordinated care.
• Reduced duplication of tests and procedures: Access to a comprehensive patient history minimizes unnecessary referrals and tests.
• Enhanced patient engagement: Patients empowered to access and share their EHI become more active participants in their care decisions.
• Improved research and innovation: Access to de-identified patient data fosters research and development of new treatment options and care models.

Resources and Support:

• ONC Health Information Blocking Rule website: <invalid URL removed>: <invalid URL removed>
• American Nurses Association (ANA) Center for Information Technology: <invalid URL removed>: <invalid URL removed>
• HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society): https://www.himss.org/: https://www.himss.org/

Conclusion:

Understanding the Health Information Blocking Rule is essential for nurses to adapt to the changing landscape of healthcare information exchange. This policy empowers us to provide better care, enhance patient engagement, and contribute to a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare system. By staying informed and utilizing available resources, we can effectively navigate this evolving environment and leverage technology to benefit both ourselves and our patients.