HHS Publishes Final Federal Health IT Strategic Plan 2015-2020 – On September 21, 2015, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) of HHS laid out the federal government’s final version of its long-term strategy for nationwide health information technology adoption.  The plan signals a shift away from a provider-centered approach that aims to achieve electronic health record adoption by and among hospitals and primary care providers through meaningful use and other initiatives to a more patient-centered approach that seeks more collaboration by and among additional providers across the care continuum.  HHS sets forth four long-term information technology goals.  The first goal is to “advance person-centered and self-managed health.”  The second is to “transform health care delivery and community health.”  Third, HHS aims to “foster research, scientific knowledge, and innovation,” and finally, HHS seeks to improve the country’s health information technology infrastructure.

IOM Report Calls for Increased Awareness of Diagnostic Errors  – On September 22, 2015, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report entitled Improving Diagnosis in Health Care.  The report estimates that diagnostic errors—inaccurate or delayed diagnoses—account for 6 to 17 percent of hospital adverse events and are the leading type of paid medical malpractice claim.  Furthermore, IOM estimates that 10 percent of patient deaths result from diagnostic errors, based on postmortem examination.  Lastly, approximately 5 percent of individuals seeking outpatient care can be expected to experience a diagnostic error.  Diagnostic errors may result in prevented or delayed treatment, unnecessary/harmful treatment, or psychological and financial repercussions for patients.  IOM’s full report, as well as other related resources, are available here.

King & Spalding Healthcare Roundtable: “Unlevel Playing Field: What Can You Do When Your Competitor Is Gaining An Illegal Advantage?” – On October 20, 2015, King & Spalding will host a Healthcare Roundtable analyzing strategic options that healthcare and life sciences companies may consider when faced with credible evidence that a competitor is breaking the law to gain an unfair business advantage.  More information and registration options are available here.