Find updates and resources on all things related to Health Information Technology (HIT) in the long-term and post-acute care industry. 

Here are some resources for navigating the current COVID-19 pandemic. These pages are constantly updated so be sure to check back often.

• CMS Best Practices Toolkit
• HHS Telehealth Information
• ONC COVID-19 Guidance Information

Below are some recent news regarding the current COVID-19 pandemic. AHCA will regularly update this page with the latest information.

• Webinar: Providers Share Their Experiences with COVID-19 Telehealth Waivers
• CMS favors keeping expanded telemedicine access after pandemic

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) occasionally proposes rules and requests comments before integrating submitting to Congress and U.S. Government Accountability office (GAO). Google the name or rule number to find more articles and updates on the rule. Refer to this document for a guide to the rulemaking process.

• Interoperability and Patient Access (CMS-9115-F)
• Discharge Planning (CMS-3317-F)
• Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technologies (CMS-3372-P)

Below are some general HIT resources and long-term projects that provide insight on the industry.

• Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
• CMS Council for Technology and Innovation
• 2020 – 2025 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan Draft
• PACIO Project
• Gravity Project
• Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources

An increasing number of cybersecurity attacks target to facilities are occurring. In one recent instance, a hospital was breached and a nearby hospital-based SNF-member could not submit MDS data. Is your facility or organization protected against cyber attacks? The below resources provide a wealth of information for ensuring proper security protections.

• Homeland Security Cybersecurity page
• FBI Cyber Crime page
• Recent article on Planning and Resources
• ONC Privacy and Security Resources
• Domestic Security Alliance Council Resources

Compliance with the detailed requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) regulations is a challenging and burdensome task. One of the significant purposes of these federal regulations is to protect the personal health information of patients and residents; and covered employers must comply.

For help in determining whether you are covered, use CMS' decision tool.

Related Links

•  CMS HIPAA Website
•  CMS' Decision Tool