In this blog post, we look at the most immediate, relevant aspects of the Cures Act and how it impacts Healthcare Providers, Healthcare Information Networks, and Health IT Developers.
Sometimes government does pass laws with well-intentioned motives and the 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act) is a good example of one. However, government has a much shorter list of passing laws that are simple and easy to understand. Perhaps significant endeavors require complexity. Regardless, interpretation and compliance falls on our shoulders.
Let’s look at the most immediately relevant aspects of the Cures Act. Trying to address the entire Cures Act, even summarized, can be overwhelming.
The Cures Act applies to:
- Healthcare Providers
- Health Information Networks
- Health IT Developers
A revised time line was provided in late October. This time line contains more than just the immediately relevant items, however, we do need to have in the back of our mind a concept of the end goal.
We will only be focusing on the items with a compliance date of April 5, 2021 for the remainder. These fall into the category of information blocking provisions/requirements. Determining how to apply this depends on what type of actor you are. The following constitutes information blocking and applies to all actors.
Information Blocking Provisions Include
However, there are exceptions to the information blocking rules.
Allowable Information Blocking Exceptions
The remaining items within information blocking related to CoC/MoC requirements are applicable to actors developing applications and interfaces. Typically these are the Health Information Networks and Health IT Developers. However, as applications and interfaces are implemented it will also be the responsibility of the Healthcare providers to ensure Cures Act requirements are being met.
Lastly, here is what you can do now to prepare for the Cures Act.