The Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability (HTI-2) proposed rule by ONC is a huge step in making healthcare more connected, accessible, and equitable for everyone. Building on the foundation established by the CURES Act, this proposed rule goes beyond technology; it aims to create a healthcare ecosystem that genuinely understands and addresses the unique needs of each patient.
At the core, HTI-2 is a commitment to remove barriers to interoperability and ensure that critical health information is readily available when and where it’s needed most. All, of course, while upholding the highest levels of privacy and security. As an EHR or Health IT vendor, understanding this new rule helps you empower healthcare providers to deliver exceptional care by enhancing your software data capabilities. However, with over 1000 pages of technical jargon, understanding and complying with the HTI-2 can seem intimidating. To simplify the process, we’ve broken down the key takeaways and how to prepare.
ONC HTI-2 Proposed Rule: Key Takeaways
Although HTI-1 was only 556 pages long in its proposed form, HTI-2 has expanded to a whopping 1,067 pages. This increase in length not only reflects a greater volume of content but also demonstrates the enhanced commitment to improving patient care through technology. This document, though lengthy, is a treasure trove of opportunities for EHR and Health IT vendors dedicated to enhancing patient health outcomes. You can access the full document here, but below are a few key takeaways and updates:
USCDI v4 Expansion
The updated United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) offers a more comprehensive view of a patient’s healthcare journey. The proposed HTI-2 rule updates the USCDI standard to version 4, expanding the data elements to include a broader range of patient information, such as health status assessments, laboratory data, treatment goals, preferences, physical activity, substance use, and medication adherence.
This expansion aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare by providing a complete picture of a patient’s health, which enables better-informed decision-making. Additionally, the updates in USCDI v4 are expected to help address health disparities by capturing information that is particularly relevant to marginalized and underrepresented populations.
Standardized Code Sets
The proposed HTI-2 rule also includes updates to minimum standards code sets, which are standardized vocabularies used to represent clinical concepts and other healthcare data. By adopting newer versions of these code sets, the rule is designed to improve interoperability and data exchange between different health IT systems. This means that, regardless of the source of a patient’s information, it can be understood and utilized effectively.
In addition, the updated code sets will provide a more comprehensive and up-to-date vocabulary for describing clinical conditions, procedures, medications, and other relevant healthcare data elements.
Bulk Data Enhancements
ONC has proposed enhancements to bulk data access by adopting the HL7 FHIR Bulk Data Access v2.0.0: STU 2 implementation specification (Bulk v2 IG). In simpler terms, these new standards will make it easier to extract and analyze large datasets.
By requiring servers to support the group export operation and introducing a query parameter for performance improvement, this rule will enable health IT systems to retrieve and share bulk data more effectively. This is important for data analysis, research, and managing population health, as it makes it easy and efficient to analyze large datasets. With these improvements, doctors and researchers can spot patterns and trends in the data, and use that to make better decisions about patient treatments.
Electronic Prior Authorization
Getting timely prior authorizations has long been a challenge for healthcare providers. To simplify this process, HTI-2 plans to improve certification criteria and standards. This will help providers use electronic prior authorization (ePA) through certified health IT.
With ePA, healthcare providers can submit and track prior authorization requests online. This makes the process faster and reduces the amount of paperwork they need to handle. This change allows healthcare providers to spend less time submitting and tracking prior authorizations and more time with their patients, focusing on delivering quality care. Additionally, ePA can help reduce medication errors and ensure that patients receive the correct treatments on time.
Information Blocking
By refining the rules around information blocking, HTI-2 seeks to carefully balance the need for privacy with the necessity of information sharing. The proposed new Protecting Care Access Exception would allow healthcare providers to limit the sharing of electronic health information (EHI) related to reproductive healthcare to protect patients and providers from potential legal repercussions. The Requestor Preferences Exception would provide a framework for healthcare providers to honor requests from patients or other authorized individuals to restrict the sharing of EHI. Additionally, the rule clarifies the definitions of key terms related to information blocking to provide more clarity and consistency in their application.
TEFCA Alignment
Aligning with TEFCA standards, HTI-2 envisions a healthcare networking environment built on trust, privacy, and security. The HTI-2 rule aligns with the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) by establishing regulations to support the designation and operation of Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs). This includes defining the qualifications for QHINs, outlining the onboarding and designation process, and specifying procedures for suspension, termination, and administrative appeals.
This framework establishes a foundation for a collaborative ecosystem in which information exchange enhances patient care across the board.
HTI-2 Compliance Strategies
Review the Proposed Rule
While we’ve highlighted the key aspects of HTI-2, a nuanced understanding is necessary to ensure full compliance. Have your legal and compliance teams conduct a thorough review of the proposed rule to identify the specific requirements and potential risks. You can access quick guides, information sessions, and the actual rule here.
Also, stay informed about the progression of the HTI-2 rule and its implications for EHR vendors and health IT; ensuring to monitor for important updates and deadlines.
Leverage e-Prescribe Software
- USCDI v4 and FHIR: NewCrop’s e-prescribing software is equipped with modular API capabilities that make it easier to comply with the updated USCDI v4 and FHIR-based API standards. By leveraging APIs, you can seamlessly integrate your health IT systems, enabling the exchange of a wider range of data elements required by USCDI v4. These APIs can facilitate the sharing of patient demographics, medical history, medication lists, allergies, and other relevant clinical information.
- Bulk Data Exchange: e-Prescribe software enables seamless bulk data exchange with pharmacies and other health IT, including medication history, social determinants, and other data requirements outlined in HTI-2.
- Electronic Prior Authorizations (ePA): By integrating e-prescribe software with advanced ePA capabilities, such as NewCrop, you ensure compliance while providing users with faster response times and reducing administrative burdens.
Additional Recommendations
- Cybersecurity: Strengthen your cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive patient data.
- User Training: Provide comprehensive training to your staff on the new regulations and system updates.
- Testing and Validation: Thoroughly test your systems to ensure compliance and optimal performance.
- Collaborate with Experts: By partnering with vendors, like NewCrop, that have a robust development and compliance team, you can rest assured that you are future-proofing your software and its compliance needs.
Why NewCrop?
Integrating NewCrop eRX within your EHR system enhances HTI-2 readiness through a proven suite of tools that support electronic prior authorizations, bulk data exchanges, and robust API integrations. This partnership not only simplifies compliance but also fosters a patient-centric approach, empowering you to offer more connected and efficient care solutions.
Speak with our experts to learn how partnering with us can make HTI-2 compliance easier for you, and better for the providers you serve.ore about the service, but we’ll also provide a complimentary analysis of your current billing processes and KPIs.