HHS Intensifies Enforcement of Information Blocking Rules

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services is increasing enforcement of information blocking rules. EHR vendors—especially those with large market share—are being scrutinized for practices that may hinder data sharing. Providers may also face penalties if they fail to comply. The reasoning: competition, regulatory clarity, patient access pressures.

MEDITECH Rolls Out “Traverse Exchange” Enhancements in Expanse EHR Platform

MEDITECH announced that provider organizations are going live with its latest **Traverse Exchange** enhancements to the Expanse platform. Key features include improved clinician efficiency, more personalized workflows, elevated interoperability, predictive analytics, and infused AI components. This release reinforces MEDITECH’s positioning in 29 countries and territories.

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Chooses Epic for System‐wide EHR Implementation

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (NJ) is adopting Epic across acute, behavioral health, long‑term care, and ambulatory settings. Implementation is planned for an ~18‑month timeline, targeting early 2027 go‑live. The move is positioned as part of broader goals: equity, connected care, patient experience, and operational streamlining.

Why It Matters

• Regulatory Pressure Is No Longer Background Noise: With HHS upping enforcement of information blocking, vendor & provider contracts, integration agreements, and data sharing policies need sharp review. Failure to comply isn’t just reputational risk—it’s legal / financial risk too.
• Interoperability + AI = Competitive Table Stakes: MEDITECH’s new enhancements indicate that the expectation is shifting: not just EHR stability, but smart workflows, predictive analytics, AI assist, better integration. If your current EHR vendor isn’t evolving, there’s risk of being left behind.
• Major Installs Still Take Time & Care: Bergen New Bridge’s 18‑month plan shows that even big systems need long runway. Implementation across especially complex settings (acute + behavioral + long term + ambulatory) demands strong cross‑domain governance, change management, training, and alignment with broader strategic goals (equity, patient experience).
• Vendor Relationships & Selection Criteria Must Evolve: As expectations grow (AI, interoperability, data sharing, regulatory compliance), CIOs must push vendors not just on feature checklists but on how they handle data portability, user burden, latency, model bias, and transparency. Also need assurance of ongoing product road‑maps, not just current promises.