Learn how to navigate federal laws governing access of patients to their health information and educate yourself on new patient access initiatives.
In the U.S., patients have always had the right to access copies of their medical records from physicians, hospitals and health plans covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) - but for years this right was poorly understood by patients and entities covered by the law. But federal incentives for the purchase of electronic medical records have laid the groundwork for more seamless sharing of data with patients, and additional federal law - the Information Blocking Rules - established additional penalties for some entities that place obstacles in the path of sharing data with patients. On top of that, national health information networks previously only available for sharing of records among medical providers are opening additional pathways to patient access. Learn from the former policy and enforcement lead at the HHS Office for Civil Rights on how to navigate federal laws governing access of patients to their health information and educate yourself on new patient access initiatives that could become more widespread in the coming year.
Learning Objectives
- You will be able to define the types of information that is required to be made available to patients.
- You will be able to describe how the federal Information Blocking Rules promote patient access to their electronic health information.
- You will be able to discuss how the HIPAA Right of Access intersects with federal Information Blocking Rules.
- You will be able to explain the requirements to comply with HIPAA’s Right of Access.
Agenda
HIPAA’s Provisions Giving Patients the Right to Access Their Health Information
- What Data Is Covered by This Right?
- What Are the Parameters of This Right?
- Enforcement Experience; Future Directions for HHS
Federal Information Blocking Rules and Patient Access
- Who and What Is Covered by These Laws - What Is the Overlap (If Any) With HIPAA
- What Are the Expectations Re: Response to Patient Access Requests
- Enforcement Experience
Other Relevant Federal Laws/Initiatives
- CMS Health Plan Requirements
- Certification Rules for Electronic Medical Records
- Payment Incentives
Putting It All Together; Walking Through How the Laws Collective Apply in Different Scenarios
- Patient Requests Information Be Made Available Through Portal
- Patient Doesn’t Want Information in Portal or It Can’t Be Made Available There
- Patient Wants Record to Be Sent to an App or Another Doctor
What’s on the Horizon for Patient Access
- Access by Patients Through Networks Like Health Information Exchanges, National Networks
- TEFCA (Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement)
- Questions
Speakers
Deven McGraw,
Ciitizen Health
Who Should Attend
This live webinar is designed for medical records directors, health information directors, coders, business managers, office managers, nurses, hospital administrators, billing managers, social workers, counselors, release of records professionals, compliance managers, and attorneys.
