Hey Guys. Mr. Wellness here. And today we’re gonna talk about the Cures Act. I know… the what?!?! We usually don’t get into government policy here but this is really important and it’s something you should know because it affects how you access your personal health information.
The Cures Act was originally signed into law in 2016 and it officially went into effect in November 2020. Basically, the Cures Act was designed to empower you with easy and unrestricted access to your personal health information by enabling you to get this information on apps and smart devices like your phone.
The biggest change that you may notice is you now have immediate access to information you did not have before – specifically your doctors’ clinical notes and test and study results. That’s right, your doctors’ notes, study and test results, your medical history, imaging results, procedure and progress notes… they’re all there for you. Isn’t that great?!
Maybe, but maybe not. Don’t forget, with great power comes great responsibility. What I’m saying is –don’t run to Google and start searching. Just don’t. I know you did it back when the internet was new but that pain in your big toe? It wasn’t Ebola.
So just like back then, you’re going to have to figure out how to appropriately understand and use the information now at your fingertips and how to discuss it with your doctor. And your doctor is going to have to figure out the best way to educate you and involve you more in care decisions.
Ultimately, the Cures Act is intended to empower you with information and encourage timely and effective conversation between you and your doctors. So remember… slow down, process the information you now have access to, talk with your doctors and together, you and your doctor can find the best way to move forward with your care.
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The passage of the 21st Century Cures Act has drawn both applause and criticism. A sweeping bipartisan effort with multiple components, the law dramatically boosts funding for medical research, particularly in areas such as cancer and brain disease. The law also relaxes regulatory processes for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. In doing so, the law’s supporters point to the potential for faster treatments benefiting from a streamlined approval process. Critics raise concerns that safety and efficacy might be compromised, with potentially devastating consequences. And the law also has been questioned for failing to explicitly address high drug prices, a growing public issue. These debates are unfolding as the Trump administration is expected to imminently announce its choice for a new FDA commissioner, who will head an agency directly impacted by the Cures act. In this Forum, experts will explore the implications of the law for biomedicine, regulation, pharmaceuticals and patient advocacy.
This Forum event was presented jointly with STAT on February 27, 2017.
Watch the entire series at ForumHSPH.org.
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