1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov August 31, 2016Patient Access to Health Information in the Digital AgeIn 2000, the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule established a set of federal standards for the use and disclosure of personal health information. The Privacy
2、Rule also gave individuals the right of access to their health information. In the years since the Privacy Rule took effect, individuals have often complained that health care providers place undue restrictions on that access, in violation of HIPAA. At the time the Privacy Rule was issued, most heal
3、th information was recorded and stored on paper. Today, the widespread adoption of electronic health record (EHR) systems makes it easier for individuals to access their medical data. Under the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive program, which has paid $35 billion to hospitals and physicians that d
4、emonstrate meaningful use of EHR technology, patients must be given timely online access to information maintained in an EHR. New requirements for the EHR incentive program will enable individuals to access their health information in real time using software applications (apps) on their smart phone
