"Provider Compliance: Information Blocking and Patient Access," California Society of Healthcare Attorneys webinar

On May 1, 2020 the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology finalized its information blocking rule (Final Rule) aimed at ending certain practices that impede the secure exchange and use of electronic health information by patients, doctors and health care organizations. The November 2020 compliance date was pushed back to April 5, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DWT counsel Kathryn Edgerton, along with Mintz member Lara Compton, presented an overview of existing patient access rights under state and federal law and how they relate to compliance with the Final Rule. The presenters also discussed how the Final Rule applies to health care providers and tips for identifying and analyzing potential information blocking practices that impermissibly restrict access, exchange, and use of electronic health information (EHI). In doing so, the discussion evaluated common operational challenges and summarize best practices for health care providers in complying with the Final Rule.