ONC HTI-2 Proposed Rule
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) recently released the HTI-2 proposed rule to continue implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act. The proposed rule includes provisions to expand upon the standards established under the HTI-1 final rule, adds two new sets of certification criteria for the ONC Health IT Certification Program, revises information blocking exceptions, and more.
The proposed rule will be available for public comment for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. (ONC, 7/10)
CDII Releases DxF QHIO Explainer Resource
To support organizations participating in California’s DxF initiative, the CalHHS Center for Data Insights and Innovation (CDII) developed a new resource with detailed information on the nine state-designated Qualified Health Information Organizations (QHIOs) serving as intermediaries to support HSSI exchange under the DxF. The “About the QHIOs” document highlights their regions of operation, the types of organizations served, data exchange services offered, and administrative information on how to engage and onboard. (CDII, July 2024)
Enhancing Contraception Access Through EHR Integration
Especially common in primary care settings, many electronic health record (EHR) platforms lack designated fields to capture reproductive health and contraception information, creating opportunities for this care to be overlooked during visits. A recent article in Health Affairs underscores the importance of incorporating contraceptive care workflows to visually remind providers to proactively discuss and offer this care alongside other routine screenings and services to improve contraception access. (Health Affairs, 7/17)
ONC Issue Brief Explores TEFCA Awareness And Engagement Among Hospitals
Survey results from the American Hospital Association provide insights into hospital participation in the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), which went live in late 2023 to facilitate nationwide health information exchange. Key 2023 findings reveal that 60% of hospitals plan to participate in TEFCA (a 9% increase from 2022), 1 in 4 hospitals remain unaware of TEFCA, and that interoperability status and network participation are crucial predictors of hospitals planning to participate in TEFCA. (ONC, July 2024)
