The Electronic Health Record Association has released to Version 2 of its EHR Developer Code of Conduct.
Version 2 brings a new section on usability, including the role of user-centered design (UCD) and best practices. The section on interoperability and data sharing was also updated to add clarity to companies’ clients on pricing models, including components related to achieving interoperability.
The updated code emphasizes its commitment to standards-based, cost efficient information exchange, where it is valuable to the healthcare provider and/or the patient, and highlighted its opposition to data blocking.
“We are very encouraged that the Code has gained wide recognition among EHR developers, as well as the broader industry, including provider organizations and policymakers,” Leigh Burchell, Association Chair and VP for Health Policy and Government Affairs at Allscripts, said in a statement. “Their feedback was important as we looked at how the health IT industry has evolved since the Code was released in 2013 and what changes should be considered.”
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The EHR Association consulted with stakeholder groups during the work to update the Code. “The changes that have been made in Version 2 reflect the ongoing evolution of health IT, and offer improved transparency for physicians and other clinicians who use health IT in clinical settings,” said Shari M. Erickson, VP of Governmental Affairs and Medical Practice at the American College of Physicians (ACP), one of the groups consulted.
The Code of Conduct also covers general business practices, patient safety, and clinical and billing documentation. The EHR Association said will continue to encourage adoption of the EHR Developer Code of Conduct by all companies that develop EHR technology, regardless of whether they are members of the EHR Association.
Date: February 26, 2016