[8] For instance in Canada, data collection among Indigenous populations is governed by principles of First Nations ownership, control, access, and possession.
Expanding availability of big data increases the risk of statistical errors,[1] erroneous conclusions and predictions,[5] and misuse of results.
[9] Evidence supports use of data for process improvements,[10][11][12] cost reductions,[13] personalized medicine,[14] and public health.
Increasing vertical integration in both public and private sector providers[18] has created massive databases of electronic health records.
[6] Establishing standards ensures IT infrastructure capable of housing big data balanced with addressing accessibility, ownership, and privacy.
[6] Standardization helps improve patient care by facilitating research collaboration and easier communication between medical providers.
[6] The research can yield preventive care concepts that can reduce patient caseload and avoid long-term medical costs.
Within the executive branch, the administration itself, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) each have strategic plans and are involved in determining regulation.
[23] Within the legislative branch, multiple committees within the House of Representatives and Senate hold hearings and have opinions on using data and technology to reduce costs and improve outcomes in healthcare.
[25] The plan is intended “to provide clarity in federal policies, programs, and actions and includes strategies to align program requirements, harmonize and simplify regulations, and aims to help health IT users to advance the learning health system to achieve better health.”[24] The Strategic Plan includes several key initiatives employing multiple strategies to meet its goals.
[25] Current federal and state law only prohibits certain kinds of information blocking in limited and narrow circumstances, for example, under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or the Anti-Kickback statute.
The ONC HIT Certification Program[26] certifies that a system meets the technological capability, functionality and security requirements adopted by HHS.