The ONC is on the verge of issuing its final HTI-1 rule, and there is a sense of anticipation for a new era of digital transformation in health IT. The industry is gearing up to comply with key HTI-1 deadlines and provisions related to the 21st Century Cures Act, including requirements for EHR vendors to support information sharing and patient access to health data.
Many are cautiously optimistic about the new standards, while others are concerned about the potential complexity and compliance timelines. Strategic partnerships have been identified as a way to navigate these challenges and leverage resources for innovation. However, there are also worries about the burdens created by the new regulatory environment and how partnerships might impact compliance.
The ONC’s directive to make EHRs more intuitive and user-friendly underscores the need for developers to code with a focus on clinician care, burnout alleviation, and doctor-patient connections. Collaboration between EHR developers and clinicians is essential to ensure accessible, secure, and shareable patient data, as well as the deployment of effective decision support systems.
Proposed display requirements for algorithmic decision support highlight the need for in-design flexibility, personalized workflows, and compliance with the new standards. The final HTI-1 rule is set to bring new and enhanced guardrails for AI-driven clinical tools, emphasizing algorithmic transparency and patient safety.
Clinical-grade AI, with a track record of patient safety and clinician efficiency, is at the forefront of the proposed rule. The industry’s focus on developing machine learning algorithms that are transparent, safe, and bias-free aims to maximize efficiency and patient care, while eliminating disparities and maintaining diversity within unique patient populations.
While the new regulatory cycle may pose challenges, it also presents opportunities for EHR developers and providers to optimize clinical decision support and prioritize patient outcomes. Ultimately, responsible algorithmic decision support is expected to foster a healthcare environment where technology catalyzes advancements in patient care on an unprecedented scale.
Our Perspective
The innovative and consumer-friendly solutions outlined in the final HTI-1 rule are poised to revolutionize health IT, paving the way for enhanced interoperability, improved patient access to data, and more intuitive EHR experiences. At Pinnacle Digital Advisors, we see these developments as a transformative shift towards a more efficient and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem, driving the industry towards a future where technology acts as a catalyst for positive patient outcomes.
Pinnacle Digital Advisors
This article originally published: [https://www.healthcareittoday.com/2023/11/13/reimagining-health-tech-on-the-cusp-of-oncs-final-hti-1-rule-regulatory-talk-series/]