Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What do health IT leaders at hospitals and health systems need to know about blockchain today?
Matt Fisher: Health IT leaders need to be cognizant of the potential legal and regulatory ramifications of using blockchain technology. It is not entirely clear where all the data stored on a blockchain reside, nor who has control over that data. As such, the privacy and security implications under HIPAA for use of a blockchain should be carefully teased out to ensure that appropriate contractual relationships are established as well as delineating what party bears responsibility for which specific obligation under HIPAA.
A related consideration is whether access to the data can be shutoff, which could implicate state level laws on maintenance of patient information by a licensed facility or clinician. All these issues show that implementation of a blockchain solution is not just a technology issue but should involve an interdisciplinary team at any organization.
To participate in future Becker’s Q&As, contact Jackie Drees at jdrees@beckershealthcare.com.
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