HIMSS Calls for Careful Implementation of New Health IT Standards

The Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) has responded to the proposed Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Patient Engagement, Information Sharing, and Public Health Interoperability rule (HTI-2). Published on August 5 by the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), HTI-2 aims to enhance the use of interoperable health data. HIMSS applauds the initiative but highlights the need for a cautious approach to implementing these new standards, emphasizing the importance of thorough testing and validation before finalizing new certification requirements.

The Need for Thorough Testing and Validation

At the core of HIMSS’s response is a call for postponing the finalization of several new certification requirements until complete testing and validation are conducted. Particularly, HIMSS underscores the importance of first completing the trial phase of Bulk FHIR v2.0 to ensure the technology’s reliability in supporting health data exchange. According to HIMSS, rushing the implementation without adequate testing could lead to unforeseen issues that may jeopardize the initiative’s overall success. This perspective reflects HIMSS’s commitment to ensuring that new technologies are robust and functional before they are widely adopted.

The delay in finalizing certification requirements is not merely a procedural concern but a practical one. HIMSS warns that untested or partially tested technologies could impose unintended burdens on healthcare providers and developers. These stakeholders would face increased pressure to adapt prematurely to new regulations, potentially resulting in suboptimal patient care and strained resources. HIMSS’s position is clear: the benefits of new technology should not be outweighed by the risks associated with incomplete testing and hurried deployment. In urging a meticulous approach, HIMSS seeks to safeguard the integrity and reliability of healthcare IT systems.

Practicality of Development and Deployment Timelines

HIMSS also addresses the timeline for implementing predictive decision support interventions within certified health IT modules. The organization points out that the original deadlines could place considerable stress on developers and subsequently impact healthcare providers. HIMSS advocates extending these deadlines to allow for a smoother, more manageable integration process. This recommendation aligns with HIMSS’s broader goal of promoting practical and feasible implementation timelines that do not compromise the quality of healthcare services.

The consideration of development and deployment timelines is critical in achieving the aims of HTI-2. HIMSS recognizes the importance of nationwide interoperability and the potential for improved patient care through advanced technologies. However, it also stresses that the costs and resources required for implementation must be carefully evaluated. By recommending extended deadlines, HIMSS aims to ensure that healthcare providers have ample time to adapt to new requirements without compromising patient care. This measured approach underscores the organization’s balanced view of innovation and practicality in healthcare IT.

Legal Protections and Simplification of Rules

Another significant aspect of HIMSS’s response is its support for the Protecting Care Access exception to the information blocking rule. This exception is designed to allow providers to withhold information sharing if it could lead to legal repercussions, particularly in the context of reproductive healthcare. HIMSS endorses this exception but urges a simplification of the six conditions required to qualify for it. The goal is to make the process more user-friendly and to avoid penalizing providers who act in good faith. This stance reflects HIMSS’s commitment to protecting both healthcare providers and patient privacy while ensuring compliance with legal standards.

HIMSS’s recommendation to simplify the conditions for the Protecting Care Access exception is rooted in the need for practical, easily understandable rules. Complex conditions could deter providers from utilizing the exception, thereby undermining its intended protective functions. By advocating for streamlined rules, HIMSS seeks to enhance the usability of the exception while still safeguarding against inappropriate information blocking. This approach highlights the organization’s focus on balancing legal protections with practical implementation considerations, ensuring that healthcare providers can navigate regulatory landscapes effectively and ethically.

Financial Support for Public Health Systems

HIMSS also proposes the creation of a voluntary certification for health IT modules specifically designed for public health settings. However, the organization calls for collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a funding mechanism that would assist public health agencies in procuring the necessary technology. HIMSS emphasizes that adequate financial support is crucial for the successful implementation of new health IT standards in public health contexts. This recommendation aligns with the organization’s broader vision of achieving nationwide interoperability while considering the financial constraints faced by public health systems.

The need for financial support extends beyond mere procurement; it encompasses the ongoing costs of maintaining and updating health IT systems. HIMSS recognizes that public health agencies often operate with limited budgets, which could hinder the adoption of advanced technologies. By advocating for a collaborative funding mechanism, HIMSS aims to alleviate these financial burdens and promote equitable access to cutting-edge health IT solutions. This approach ensures that public health agencies can fully participate in the push for nationwide interoperability, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the healthcare system.

Conclusion

The Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) has issued a response to the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Patient Engagement, Information Sharing, and Public Health Interoperability rule (HTI-2). This rule, published on August 5 by the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), seeks to advance the use of interoperable health data systems. HIMSS commends this effort aimed at improving data sharing and patient engagement but stresses the importance of a measured approach in its implementation. They emphasize that extensive testing and thorough validation are critical before new certification requirements can be finalized. HIMSS believes that ensuring these steps will help in successfully adopting the new standards without causing disruptions or complications. By advocating for caution and meticulous preparation, HIMSS aims to support the smooth transition to enhanced health data interoperability while safeguarding the accuracy and reliability of health information systems.

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