Sequoia Project to Launch Information Blocking Workgroup

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The Sequoia Project, a non-profit, public-private collaborative to advance interoperability in health information technology (IT), is launching a workgroup for the Interoperability Matters cooperative focused on information blocking.

The new workgroup will discuss, evaluate and comment on the information blocking requirements and exceptions that the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) proposed rule details.

Interoperability Matters launched in October 2018 and holds member and public events that address the key remaining issues that prevent nationwide health IT interoperability.

“True, meaningful interoperability is expanding and hospitals and health systems across the country are beginning to share health records at an unprecedented level,” said Mariann Yeager, CEO of The Sequoia Project.

Of the barriers to overcome, Yeager said that we must focus on practices that could impede information sharing.

In addition to the free, public Interoperability Matters launch event that will be held on March 14 at 2 p.m. EST, members and non-members can join the Information Blocking Forum kickoff on March 19 at 3 p.m. EST. The forum will allow for input on the information blocking policies and regulations proposed by ONC and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The members of the workgroup will focus on the practical implications of information-sharing practices and will discuss possible unintended consequences of the rules.

“We’ve reached a tipping point where discussions of interoperability — and the remaining interoperability challenges — are now mainstream and everyone wants a seat at the table,” Yeager said. “We’re happy to make room for more voices.”

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