(Mar. 1, 2024) – On Feb. 8, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued
QSO-24-05-Hospital/CAH allowing texting patient information and the texting of patient orders among members of the health care team permissible, if accomplished through a HIPAA-compliant secure texting platform and is in compliance with the Conditions of Participation. While CMS continues to prefer computerized provider order entry as the method for order entry by a provider, CMS recognizes advances in technology have resulted in significant improvements in the encryption and interface capabilities of texting platforms to transfer data into electronic health records.
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Ron Marshall