Patient Information in a Changing Legal Landscape: Cures Act, Open Notes and Electronic Medical Records

In 2021, the 21st Century Cures Act, or the Cures Act, introduced federal rules requiring that most clinical notes be accessible to patients immediately, online and at no cost. Known as open notes, this initiative marked a crucial advance in making medical information more transparent, thereby strengthening the trust between healthcare providers and patients. However, this change also brought complexities regarding the information contained in these notes.  

Listen to our pediatric expert discuss patient information

In this episode, Steven Bondi, who transitioned from law to medicine, shares his knowledge about the Cures Act, open notes and Electronic Medical Records. As a specialist in pediatric medicine at Golisano Children’s Hospital and an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Dr. Bondi highlights several resources for further information. He suggests exploring the healthit.gov section on information blocking for FAQs and webinars and the Guttmacher Institute for insights into adolescent health and privacy, and he shares his recent involvement in the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Medical Liability and Risk Management, contributing to the 'Pediatricians in Law' monthly column. 

In this episode, our expert discusses:

• How to navigate difficult situations and avoid labels 
• Assessing ethics with a legal point of view 
• Confidentiality for adolescents by state 
• The flow of information through the Cures Act 
• The nuances of information sharing and understanding the exceptions 

Disclaimer: Please note that Dr. Bondi is not an attorney for Children’s Hospital Colorado. Regarding interpretation or application of any of the laws/regulations referenced in this episode, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney familiar with the laws in your particular jurisdiction and/or service area.