Withstanding scrutiny around interoperability – what CIOs should consider

Though the 21st Century Cures Act was signed into law in 2016, its impact on interoperability in healthcare is now beginning to be felt. In October, the ONC’s information blocking rule reached its full scope, with providers now prohibited from blocking patient access to any of their electronic health information.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ONC’s parent agency, has yet to establish penalties for providers that withhold information from patients. However, that doesn’t mean providers can rest on their laurels. In fact, now’s the time for providers to assess where they are and where they need to be — and to determine whether their technology partners are prepared as well.