Training on ONC and CMS rules affecting health plans’ access to and use of clinical data
(Vienna, VA – September 16, 2021) –The Sequoia Project, a non-profit dedicated to solving health IT interoperability challenges for the public good, has launched a special edition of its popular information blocking compliance boot camp program, targeted for health plans and payers. Clinical Connections: A 7-Week Interoperability Intensive for Health Plans will provide an in-depth study of the Information Blocking Final Rule issued by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC). It will help attendees understand potential opportunities and obligations associated with this rule and how to use it effectively to achieve data access. The curriculum also will explore CMS’ rules that affect health plan access to and use of clinical data, and how these relate to the ONC Final Rule.
“Hundreds of health systems, health IT developers, health information networks, and others have participated in our previous interoperability information blocking compliance boot camps,” said Mariann Yeager, CEO of The Sequoia Project. “Health plans are affected not only by the ONC information blocking regulation, but also by adjusting to new CMS interoperability, transparency and data access rules. It makes sense to collaborate with health plans and develop tailored training for payers, resulting in this Clinical Connections intensive.”
Compliance with the ONC Final Rule information blocking provisions for all actors (developers of certified health IT, health information networks, and providers) was required as of April 5, 2021. CMS has issued multiple regulations relating to health plan obligations and opportunities regarding interoperability, transparency and clinical data access.
“We’re providing best-in-class training for all health plans, regardless of membership in The Sequoia Project, to help participants to better understand how to work with clinicians under the new interoperability paradigm,” said Yeager.
Beginning October 6, 2021, the Clinical Connections intensive will consist of virtual meetings, occurring twice a week with one 120-minute interactive classroom lecture and discussion, and one 60-minute open office hour with subject matter experts to allow for student-initiated discussion. All participants will receive access to exclusive online tools, including practical tools for implementation and compliance. The program will enable participants to engage with each other and subject matter experts in discussing the ONC and CMS rules and how they will affect health plans.
Clinical Connections registration is now closed. The intensive is free for full members of The Sequoia Project and costs $4,850 per organization for associate members and non-members, regardless of the number of staff attending.
