Assignment: Topic on health information Exchanges

Various levels and types of data sharing can be conducted by the HIE. Your own physician's practice will be joining an HIE. Consider three possible methods for including patients in a health information exchange. Three possible consent models are:

• No Consent. Patient's health information is automatically included in the data submitted to and held by the HIE. Patients cannot opt out of the sharing.

• Opt-Out. Patient health information is included automatically in the HIE, but patients can sign a form indicating their information is not to be shared or included.

• Opt out with Exceptions. Patient health information is included automatically in the HIE. However, patients can sign a form indicating their choice to opt out completely (no data sharing), or allowing only select data to be included (such as patient demographics and ID of primary care practitioner only).

Of these methods, which one would you prefer? Explain your rationale for wanting to be able to opt out wholly, selectively, or to have all patients made to share without an ability to opt out.