Why common carrier and network neutrality principles apply to the Nationwide Health Information Network (NWHIN)

Mark Gaynor; Leslie Lenert; Kristin D Wilson; Scott Bradner

doi:10.1136/amiajnl-2013-001719

Back

Why common carrier and network neutrality principles apply to the Nationwide Health Information Network (NWHIN)

Journal article

Open access

Why common carrier and network neutrality principles apply to the Nationwide Health Information Network (NWHIN)

Mark Gaynor, Leslie Lenert, Kristin D Wilson and Scott Bradner

Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association : JAMIA, Vol.21(1), pp.2-7

01/2014

DOI: 10.1136/amiajnl-2013-001719

PMCID: PMC3912707

PMID: 23837992

Files and links (1)

url

https://doi.org/10.1136/amiajnl-2013-001719View

Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

The Office of the National Coordinator will be defining the architecture of the Nationwide Health Information Network (NWHIN) together with the proposed HealtheWay public/private partnership as a development and funding strategy. There are a number of open questions--for example, what is the best way to realize the benefits of health information exchange? How valuable are regional health information organizations in comparison with a more direct approach? What is the role of the carriers in delivering this service? The NWHIN is to exist for the public good, and thus shares many traits of the common law notion of 'common carriage' or 'public calling,' the modern term for which is network neutrality. Recent policy debates in Congress and resulting potential regulation have implications for key stakeholders within healthcare that use or provide services, and for those who exchange information. To date, there has been little policy debate or discussion about the implications of a neutral NWHIN. This paper frames the discussion for future policy debate in healthcare by providing a brief education and summary of the modern version of common carriage, of the key stakeholder positions in healthcare, and of the potential implications of the network neutrality debate within healthcare.

Delivery of Health Care

Health Information Systems - legislation & jurisprudence

Internet - legislation & jurisprudence

Ownership - legislation & jurisprudence

Public Policy - legislation & jurisprudence

Telecommunications

Telemedicine

United States

United States Government Agencies

Details

Title: Subtitle: Why common carrier and network neutrality principles apply to the Nationwide Health Information Network (NWHIN)
Creators: Mark Gaynor - Saint Louis University
Leslie Lenert - University of Utah
Kristin D Wilson - Saint Louis University
Scott Bradner - Harvard University
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association : JAMIA, Vol.21(1), pp.2-7
DOI: 10.1136/amiajnl-2013-001719
PMID: 23837992
PMCID: PMC3912707
NLM abbreviation: J Am Med Inform Assoc
ISSN: 1067-5027
eISSN: 1527-974X
Language: English
Date published: 01/2014
Academic Unit: Health Management and Policy
Record Identifier: 9984274821202771

Metrics

22 Record Views

2 Times Cited - Web of Science

See more details