AMA: Proposed federal interoperability rules will impact patient safety

CMS and ONC's proposed interoperability rules for patient data sharing could lead to ramifications such as data unknowingly being sold or traded, according to the American Medical Association.

CMS and ONC's rules aim to increase health information technology interoperability and implement information-blocking provisions under the 21st Century Cures Act, respectively. However, lifting restrictions so that patients can more easily access their own health information may open the doors for third-party companies to sell, market or trade individuals' data, too.

"Once the information is out there, it's virtually impossible to get it back," said Barbara McAneny, MD, AMA immediate past president, according to the report. "The technological capability to implement these controls exists. If ONC doesn't implement controls, it is making a policy decision to not prioritize privacy."

Final rules are expected to be released in the fall. The AMA has requested that ONC release a document to clarify questions that have been raised as a result of the proposed rule prior to the final rule's publication.

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