Advocates, protestors and legislators in Vermont are debating whether to make patients medical records available to physicians in a statewide database, according to the VTDigger.
Currently, Vermont has an opt-in system, which requires patients to include themselves in the state's online health information exchange. Advocates of a statewide, open database are arguing for an opt-out system, meaning patients would have to remove themselves from the database.
Opponents of the opt-out policy say that it would be an unnecessary step and could jeopardize patient rights, the VTDigger reports.
Burlington-based Vermont Information Technology Leaders developed the health information exchange to improve care delivery by making medical records easily accessible to all providers. However, the organization has struggled with administration and financial challenges.
In 2017, a report found few patient records were available on the system. The state stepped in to improve operations, and today, the exchange includes about 40 percent of state residents' medical records.
The Department of Vermont Health agreed that a consent policy change is necessary, as 33 of 40 states with statewide health exchanges have opt-out policies or no consent requirements, reports the VTDigger.
The Vermont Medical Society is in favor of an opt-out policy, citing the new process would improve patient care and reduce administrative burdens. On the counter side, the Office of the Health Care Advocates says the policy is the "wrong solution" due to the state's track record.
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