Interoperability and Information Blocking Regulations

Resources regarding the ONC and CMS final regulations aimed at improving interoperability and patient access to electronic health information.

The 21st Century Cures Act required ONC to develop regulations to improve interoperability and patient access to electronic health information and deter information blocking. In May 2020, both ONC and CMS published final regulations that outline a number of requirements for physicians, health IT vendors, health information exchanges, and payers regarding enhancing electronic health information exchange and patient access to their data, including the use of modern health IT standards, standards-based APIs, and guidance regarding information blocking practices. The resources below provide additional information to help members comply with new requirements.

• ACP’s Summary of the ONC 21st Century Cures Act: Interoperability, Information Blocking, and the ONC Health IT Certification Program Final Regulation
• ACP’s Summary of the CMS Interoperability and Patient Access Final Regulation
• ONC’s 21st Century Cures Fact Sheets:
  • The ONC Cures Act Final Rule
  • Changes and Clarifications from the Proposed to Final Rule
    • Information Blocking Actors 
  • Information Blocking Exceptions
  • US Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI)
• HIPAA and Interoperability
  • Permitted Uses and Disclosures: Exchange for Health Care Operations
  • Permitted Uses and Disclosures: Exchange for Treatment
  • Information Blocking
• Guide to Privacy and Security of Health Information - This ONC instructional guide is designed to help practices understand the important role privacy and security play in the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and Promoting Interoperability.