Electronic Health Records (EHRs)/ Electronic Medical Records (EMRs)

Updated On Feb 25, 2022

This information is meant to be used for educational purposes to inform providers, patients, and genetic service delivery stakeholders about genetics policy topics. Sharing of information, resources, or policy statements is no way an endorsement of stated positions by NCC.

Introduction

Our medical records are the foundation to documentation of care. They contain a patient’s medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory and test results.  Electronic records allow multiple users to access records quickly.  For example, your oncologist can easily see the records written by your dermatologist, rather than needing to request hard copies of records.  

Because electronic health records (EHRs)/ electronic medical records (EMRs) contain health records, policies have been put into place to keep this information safe.  For more information, please see this
information sheet written by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR).  You can also visit our page on genetic privacy.

Legislation and Regulation

The HIPAA Privacy Rule established national standards to protect individuals’ medical records and other personal health information and applies to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and those health care providers that conduct certain health care transactions electronically.  More information on HIPPA can be found on the HHS website.

 

Are you interested in learning what your state’s government or the federal government are currently proposing for either legislation or regulation? Check out Legislative/Tracking system for up-to-date information and subscribe to our Twitter channel to get the latest updates in your pocket.

Policy Positions

Organizations working within the genetics community (national genetic organizations, advocacy organizations, etc.) have published positions on EHRs/EMRs. Explore these position statements below. 
Position Statements by Organizations
Remarks to Capitol Hill Staff at the Health IT Now! Coalition Briefing
Organization
Genetic Alliance
Subject
EHR/EMR
Date
March 14, 2008
Comments to HHS HITECH Privacy and Security Modifications
Organization
Genetic Alliance
Subject
EHR/EMR
Date
July 14, 2010
Comments to 21st Century Cures Act: Interoperability, Information Blocking, and the ONC Health IT Certification Program
Organization
Genetic Alliance
Subject
EHR/EMR
Date
June 3, 2019
The interface of genomic information with the electronic health record: a points to consider statement of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)
Organization
American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)
Subject
Access to Genetic Services EHR/EMR
Date
June 1, 2020

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