The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will implement new procedures by January 2020 for sharing medical information for veterans accessing healthcare in other community settings. The change moves VA from an “opt-in” to an “opt-out” policy for health information exchange.
The department is changing its procedures for electronic health information sharing in accordance with Section 132 of the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (MISSION Act).
VA shares health information with community providers using a system called the Veterans Health Information Exchange. This electronic exchange of information improves patient safety — particularly during emergency situations — and allows for improved care coordination for veterans receiving care in the community, VA said.
With the opt-out model in place, veterans will no longer be required to provide signed, written authorization for VA to release electronic health information to community providers for the purposes of receiving medical treatment.
“The MISSION Act gives veterans greater access to care, whether at VA facilities or in the community,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, in a statement. “We are providing seamless access to care, improving efficiency and helping to ensure veterans get the care they need, where and when they need it.”
VA stressed that only community health care providers and organizations that have partnership agreements with VA and are part of VA’s approved, trusted network may receive VA health information.
Veterans who do not want their health information shared electronically can opt out by submitting VA Form 10-10164 (opt out of sharing) to the Release of Information Office at the nearest VA medical center now or at any time going forward. Veterans who previously opted out on VA Form 10-0484 prior to Sept. 30, do not need to submit new forms. However, Veterans who restricted what information VA shared by submitting VA Form 10-0525 (restriction request) will need to opt out entirely by submitting Form 10-10164.
