ONC Regulations Mandating FHIR for EHRs

This white paper discusses the new regulations from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) that mandate the implementation of HL7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) APIs by December 31, 2022, for electronic health record (EHR) vendors. It outlines the interoperability mandates, including the Final Rule § 170.315(g)(10), which aims to facilitate patient access and improve data exchange among healthcare stakeholders. The paper details additional legislative measures such as the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and the CMS Hospital Price Transparency Rule, which are designed to enhance interoperability and reduce administrative burdens on providers. Furthermore, it examines how EHR vendors can leverage these mandates to create competitive advantages and improve compliance through FHIR. The document also emphasizes the importance of interoperability in enhancing patient care and streamlining healthcare processes.