HHS finalizes interoperability rule

The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) finalized two rules giving patients access to their health care data and implementing interoperability, which refers to the ability for information to be shared among health information systems. The rules will reduce data silos and enable patients to make informed decisions about their own health care by requiring health information to be shared among public and private entities and with patients without compromising privacy and security. American Hospital Association President and CEO Rick Pollack applauded the rules while cautioning stronger security measures are still needed to protect consumers from third-party apps, which are not subject to the same privacy requirements as hospitals. (HHS news release, 3/9 /20)