According to a recently released book edited by renown Healthcare informatics guru Renato M.E. Sabbatini, PhD (Handbook of Biomedical Informatics. Wikipedia Books, December 2009--A dynamic collection of more than 250 Wikipedia articles), informatics law is defined as follows:
Health informatics law deals with evolving and sometimes complex legal principles as they apply to information technology in health-related fields. It addresses the privacy, ethical and operational issues that invariably arise when electronic tools, information and media are used in health care delivery. Health Informatics Law also applies to all matters that involve information technology, health care and the interaction of information. It deals with the circumstances under which data and records are shared with other fields or areas that support and enhance patient care.
The reason that this definition is more relevant than most is that it recognizes the fact health informatics law is much broader than privacy and security. In short, it recognizes the importance that interoperability issues play in this quickly evolving legal domain.
We like to refer to interoperability as the compliance "touch points" that remain largely invisible to most internal compliance staff and a significant number of compliance attorneys as well. This issue is addressed in this month's issue of the HITECH / HIPAA Compliance Newsletter in an article entitled: "The Compliance Crisis: Five Strategies that are Guaranteed to Fail."
For more information on healthcare law and the HITECH / HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules go to The HIPAA Survival Guide website or sign up for Digital Business Law Group's free monthly compliance newsletter. Also, check out a FREE EHR Checklist and a FREE Online Backup Checklist, both provided HSG affiliates.
