How the Cures Act Enhances “People-Centered Care”

The 21st Century Cures Act goes into effect Monday, April 5, which mandates the timely release of all patient information from their medical record or inpatient chart. The Cures Act ensures that patients have full access to their electronic medical records and personal health information “without delay.”

Inova patients currently have access to their personal health information in MyChart, the patient portal used by Inova, including lab reports or test results. With the implementation of the Cures Act, health information will be more readily available and include more information such as consultation notes, discharge summary notes, imaging narratives, lab and pathology reports, procedures notes and progress notes. In some instances, patients could receive results before providers and staff if the patient checks their MyChart account.

There are some exceptions for information that can be withheld or delayed such as sensitive genetic results, results which may lead to self-harm or have legal implications, and a subset of information related to behavioral health.

The Cures Act aligns with Inova’s Patient Always value of working with compassion and to ensure every action we take puts the patient and family first,” said Maruf Haider, MD, Chief Healthcare Informatics Officer. “As a trusted provider, Inova has always been committed to enhancing patient experience and engagement through timely and transparent information to patients.”

For more information, patients can visit our website at inova.org/opennotes.