May 7, 2021

ACP Advocate

Advocacy in Action

ACP Annual Meeting: Despite Progress During Biden's First 100 Days, More Work Needed in US Health Care

During a presentation at the virtual ACP Internal Medicine Meeting, Andy Slavitt and Cynthia Cox discussed progress made and progress still necessary.


NASEM Releases Report on the Future of Primary Care in the US

ACP was a sponsor of the report, which provides an implementation plan for strengthening primary care and aligns with many of ACP's advocacy goals.


ACP Policy News

ACP Champions Greater Protection of Personal Health Information Shared Via Apps

Recently published policy paper outlines necessary changes for improving the existing health information privacy framework.


Quick Hits

ACP Offers Resources on New Information Sharing Rules

New rules included in the 21st Century Cures Act, intend to improve interoperability and patient access to electronic health information and promote information sharing. The rules require that patients must have access to their electronic health information as soon as it is available. That access may be tricky to implement due to allowed exceptions.

Given the importance for physician practices to understand what information they need to make available to patients and how best to accomplish that as painlessly as possible, ACP has resources and information regarding the new rules including FAQ documents and links to ACP's advocacy efforts on this issue. In addition, ACP's Practice Advisor™ has a new free module to help practices understand and implement the information sharing rules while earning CME and MOC credit.

The rules apply to developers of certified health IT, to health information exchanges and networks, and to all healthcare “providers” (including physicians, group practices, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, pharmacies, and laboratories). Referred to as “Information Blocking” Rules, the regulations attempt to prevent the interference with access, exchange, or use of electronic health information, or the “intentional withholding” of patient information.


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