The American Medical Association (AMA) has expressed its appreciation for the Biden administration's efforts to clarify privacy protections concerning reproductive health care information. This development comes with the introduction of a new information blocking exception in the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT’s (ONC) proposed Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability (HTI-2) Rule.

In a statement released today, the AMA highlighted the significance of the Protecting Care Access Exception. According to the AMA, this new rule provides physicians and patients with more certainty regarding information blocking practices and outlines when it is appropriate to decline sharing an individual's reproductive health care-related information. The organization emphasized that aligning this exception fully with HIPAA is a positive step forward.

"The American Medical Association (AMA) appreciates the Biden administration’s work to clarify privacy protections applicable to reproductive health care information by including a new information blocking exception in the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT’s (ONC) proposed Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability (HTI-2) Rule released today," stated the AMA.

The statement continued: "Through the new Protecting Care Access Exception, ONC has taken steps to provide physicians and patients with more certainty about information blocking practices and when it is appropriate to decline to share an individual’s reproductive health care-related information. Creating this exception in full alignment with HIPAA is a positive step."

The AMA also noted its agreement with ONC on addressing changes in the legal landscape that have created uncertainties for many patients seeking—and for healthcare providers providing—reproductive health care.

"The AMA also agrees with ONC about the importance of addressing the changes in the legal landscape that have created uncertainties for many patients seeking—and for healthcare providers providing—reproductive health care," read another part of their statement.

The association concluded by expressing gratitude that their concerns were acknowledged and voiced their intention to continue collaborating with ONC and other entities within HHS. Their goal remains ensuring that information-sharing policies protect patient privacy while maintaining trust in the healthcare system.

"The AMA is grateful our concerns were heard, and we look forward to continuing to work with ONC and across HHS to ensure that information sharing policies protect a patient’s personal health care information and preserve trust in our health care system."