Statement From AHIMA CEO on Proposed Rules on Information Blocking and Interoperability

“AHIMA is pleased that the proposed information blocking rule and the proposed rule to improve interoperability have been released.  We look forward to reviewing them in greater detail during the next few days," says Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE, CEO of AHIMA.

“At first glance, we are pleased that [the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology's] information blocking rule acknowledges in its exceptions the importance of promoting the privacy and security of electronic health information, which is a core tenet of the HIM profession. Additionally, we are pleased that CMS’ [the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services] proposed rule includes a request for information on leveraging CMS’ authority to improve patient identification. Accurately identifying patients and matching them to their data is essential to coordination of care and a requirement for health system transformation, as well as the continuation of our substantial progress toward nationwide interoperability.” 

— Source: AHIMA