August 2022
Next phase of "information blocking" rule goes into effect October 6

Starting October 6, 2022, the definition of electronic health information (EHI) in the 21st Century Cures Act expands to include all electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). 

The existing OpenNotes web page dedicated to the Cures Rule now incorporates the October changes, and links to nuanced details that are important for health system administrators and health IT professionals.
Introducing the Coalition for Care Partners
OpenNotes and the Roger C. Lipitz Center for Integrated Health Care at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have joined forces to advance health information technology for informal care partners – those friends and family members who play a critical role in helping patients manage their health.

The Coalition for Care Partners is a partnership among patients, care partners, clinicians, care delivery systems, health information technology vendors, and researchers who are building knowledge and tools to strengthen health IT capacity for the millions of Americans who find themselves supporting the health and care of family member or friend.
Issue brief outlines strategy for engaging care partners in health IT initiatives
A new article published in The Journal of Medical Internet Research makes the case that attaining the full promise of consumer health information technologies requires advancing strategies that meet the needs and preferences of all patients, including those who delegate or co-manage their care with the involvement of a care partner.

This related issue brief highlights explorations and original research led by OpenNotes at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Roger C. Lipitz Center for Integrated Health Care at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. We outline existing patient portal functionalities and how we are developing, testing, and scaling new care partner-oriented technologies that will engage care partners more effectively and efficiently in care.
PCORI-funded study pilots audio recordings of progress notes
A Dartmouth-led research group (including investigators from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center) received a five-year, $7 million funding award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI).

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Attention U.S. Patients:
Remember, “blocking” people from their own health records is against the law and may result in fines for hospitals and doctors.

Visit WhereIsMyMedicalRecord.org to learn how to find your health information and medical records, and what to do if you can't find this information.
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