In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Health IT Now urged Congress to support efforts for interoperable standards for PDMP programs.
“We are concerned that without clear direction from Congress on how states should implement standards for an interoperable PDMP program, some states may create new and disparate standards for interoperability,” according to the letter. “Pulling together information from all states is…needed to prevent cross-border shopping activity.”
Specifically, the letter recommends the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016, which permits HHS to award grants to address the opioid and heroin epidemics, be amended so priority consideration for grant funds goes to states using accepted electronic healthcare standards “such as those developed by the National Council of Prescription Drug Programs.”
Using such nationwide standards will allow for real-time information exchange between PDMP programs, which is essential for addressing the opioid epidemic, according to Health IT Now.
More articles on interoperability:
Health IT tip of the day: Analytics can fill the interoperability gap in healthcare
The ‘digital dystopia’: 4 thoughts from AMA CEO Dr. James Madara
AHA suggests redefining the scope of interoperability
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.