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Are Physicians Restricted From Openly Discussing EHR Issues Related to Usability and Interoperability?

Learning Objectives
1. Describe the myth or issue that impacts physicians and their care teams
2. Explain guidance regarding how physicians can communicate about EHR issues related to usability and interoperability
0.25 Credit CME

To earn full credit for this activity, you must review all accompanying resources, which have been curated to support your learning of the subject matter.

The Myth

Physicians are restricted from openly discussing EHR issues such as those related to usability and interoperability.

Debunking the Myth

Physicians, health care organizations, clinical staff, researchers, patients, and all other users of electronic health records (EHRs) cannot be restricted by vendors or developers from openly discussing topics related to usability, interoperability, security, user experience, developer business practices, and the way that a user has utilized the technology.1

EHR users may openly discuss these topics with a few exceptions. For instance, vendors may restrict users from public communication that involves such aspects as premarket testing and development. Further, screenshots and videos may be shared, but only to the extent required to adequately communicate about a particular relevant health IT issue such as the usability or interoperability of an EHR.1

Resources

  1. Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. Explained: The Communications Condition of Certification. HealthIT.gov. Published 2022. Accessed January 20, 2023. https://www.healthit.gov/sites/default/files/page/2022-12/Communications_Condition_of_Cert_Fact-sheet_508.pdf

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To help improve the quality of its educational content and meet applicable education accreditation requirements, the content provider will receive record of your participation and responses to this activity.

The AMA Debunking Medical Practice Regulatory Myths series provides physicians and their care teams with regulatory clarification to streamline clinical workflow processes and improve patient outcomes. Learn more

Article Information

AMA CME Accreditation Information

CME Disclosure Statement: Unless noted, all individuals in control of content reported no relevant financial relationships.

If applicable, all relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.

Disclaimer: The AMA's Debunking Regulatory Myths (DRM) series is intended to convey general information only, based on guidance issued by applicable regulatory agencies, and not to provide legal advice or opinions. The contents within DRM should not be construed as, and should not be relied upon for, legal advice in any particular circumstance or fact situation. An attorney should be contacted for advice on specific legal issues.

References
1.
Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.  Explained: The Communications Condition of Certification.  HealthIT.gov. Published 2022. Accessed January 20, 2023. https://www.healthit.gov/sites/default/files/page/2022-12/Communications_Condition_of_Cert_Fact-sheet_508.pdf
AMA CME Accreditation Information

Credit Designation Statement: The American Medical Association designates this Enduring Material activity for a maximum of 0.25  AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to:

  • 0.25 Medical Knowledge MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program;;
  • 0.25 Self-Assessment points in the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery’s (ABOHNS) Continuing Certification program;
  • 0.25 MOC points in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program;
  • 0.25 Lifelong Learning points in the American Board of Pathology’s (ABPath) Continuing Certification program; and
  • 0.25 credit toward the CME [and Self-Assessment requirements] of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program

It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting MOC credit.

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