21st Century CARES/CURES Act – Are you aware of the implications for sharing patient information with your patients?

In January 2021, Cincinnati Children’s will begin releasing notes and laboratory results immediately into our patients MyChart account.   This change complies with the CARES Act/CURES Act which supports seamless and secure access to health information. 

There is an implication for private practices to do the same.  While deadlines are somewhat unclear/changing, you should consider contacting your EHR vendor for more information.  Practices with a patient portal should be well aligned to meet the new CARES Act regulations. 

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) Cures Act supports seamless and secure access, exchange, and use of electronic health information.  They have created a Final Rule that is designed to give patients and healthcare providers secure access to health information.  For more information, visit:  https://www.healthit.gov/ and type ‘Cares Act’ into the search bar.