How have the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) influenced data sharing requirements?
By using their influence as major payers to enforce requirements through payment rules
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wields significant indirect regulatory power over healthcare entities because they are major purchasers of healthcare services. Rather than focusing on the technical specification of standards (a role often held by bodies like HL7 or ONC), CMS exerts influence by tying requirements to reimbursement. They enforce data sharing mandates through payment rules. If healthcare providers or payers fail to comply with the necessary data sharing standards and requirements established or supported by federal bodies, CMS has the ability to impact their revenue streams, making compliance a financial necessity rather than just a technical option.
