CHIME pushes back on ONC's metadata rule
In response to an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on the use of metadata standards to support health data exchange, the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is urging government officials to study the complex issues more closely. It also urged continued work with industry partners to develop and test metadata standards before considering any broader action.
CHIME told the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) that current thinking around metadata standards needs further investigation through established processes before being codified into regulations.
Metadata is descriptive information that helps computers understand where data originated and how it has changed over time. It describes what data means and how data should be used. The ability to understand data will enable health information to “follow” the patient when it is needed, no matter the time or place, without compromising privacy.
Two initiatives undertaken by ONC to help inform metadata and health information exchange includes Query Health and Data Segmentation. Together, these pilot projects are expected to advance understanding of how metadata can be used within healthcare, but they are early in their development.
CHIME believes these and other initiatives hold promise, but that the metadata standards being considered for use are underdeveloped. CHIME recommends that ONC investigate metadata standards using an inclusive volunteer network of technical experts established through the Standards & Interoperability Framework.
“Presently, we do not believe there is consensus around HL7 clinical document architecture release 2.0 header syntax, or any other metadata standards, that could be implemented in time for Stage 2 meaningful use,” CHIME said in its comments submitted to ONC. “CHIME recommends that ONC push forward with Query Health, Data Segmentation and other initiatives related to metadata inside the established Standards & Interoperability Framework in order to fully vet the range of possible standards and assemble the needed implementation processes.”
CHIME acknowledged the work done by ONC and industry partners since meaningful use Stage 1 certification criteria were adopted. CHIME members are among the health IT stakeholders who have been active participants in ONC pilots, such as the Direct Project.
The college also urged ONC to use its existing channels of collaboration to test standards and protocols more extensively in preparation for Stage 3 meaningful use.
CHIME told the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) that current thinking around metadata standards needs further investigation through established processes before being codified into regulations.
Metadata is descriptive information that helps computers understand where data originated and how it has changed over time. It describes what data means and how data should be used. The ability to understand data will enable health information to “follow” the patient when it is needed, no matter the time or place, without compromising privacy.
Two initiatives undertaken by ONC to help inform metadata and health information exchange includes Query Health and Data Segmentation. Together, these pilot projects are expected to advance understanding of how metadata can be used within healthcare, but they are early in their development.
CHIME believes these and other initiatives hold promise, but that the metadata standards being considered for use are underdeveloped. CHIME recommends that ONC investigate metadata standards using an inclusive volunteer network of technical experts established through the Standards & Interoperability Framework.
“Presently, we do not believe there is consensus around HL7 clinical document architecture release 2.0 header syntax, or any other metadata standards, that could be implemented in time for Stage 2 meaningful use,” CHIME said in its comments submitted to ONC. “CHIME recommends that ONC push forward with Query Health, Data Segmentation and other initiatives related to metadata inside the established Standards & Interoperability Framework in order to fully vet the range of possible standards and assemble the needed implementation processes.”
CHIME acknowledged the work done by ONC and industry partners since meaningful use Stage 1 certification criteria were adopted. CHIME members are among the health IT stakeholders who have been active participants in ONC pilots, such as the Direct Project.
The college also urged ONC to use its existing channels of collaboration to test standards and protocols more extensively in preparation for Stage 3 meaningful use.