The change aims to simplify data reporting for hospitals, as most already use the QualityNet portal for communications and quality data exchange.

Exceptions are available for Merit-based Incentive Payment System eligible clinicians and groups that experienced insufficient internet connectivity, uncontrollable circumstances, or other issues; applications are due Oct. 1.

The update calls for improvements to federal network cybersecurity, protection of critical infrastructure, and an international engagement strategy.

America’s Essential Hospitals has established this page of cybersecurity resources on preventing and responding to information technology attacks.

A new strain of ransomware, known as Petya, could affect the health care sector and is unique because the virus is capable of self-replication.

Two new reports warn about the same vulnerabilities that allowed the WannaCry virus to spread worldwide earlier this year.

New Medicare cards will include a randomly generated Medicare beneficiary identifier instead of the Social Security-based health insurance claim number.

The resources, designed for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-covered entities or their associates, include a checklist and infographic.

The Health Care Industry Cybersecurity Task Force outlines resources and the importance of cybersecurity to patient safety and continuity of operations.

The updates include guidance on reporting ransomware and note how Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance can protect from an attack.

Ransomware, a type of malware that infects computers and restricts access to files until a ransom is paid, has hit health care organizations in the United Kingdom.

Several leadership posts — including FDA commissioner, National Coordinator for Health IT, AHRQ director, and HRSA administrator — have been filled.

The update for the 2018 performance year aligns electronic clinical quality measure specifications with current clinical guidelines and code systems.

Eligible hospitals and professionals now have until March 13 to attest to the Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program.

Hospitals now have until March 13 — instead of Feb. 28 — to submit electronic clinical quality measure data from 2016 to CMS.

The bill is a step toward expanding Project ECHO, an innovative “hub and spoke” education model created at association member University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center.

Under the rule, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology now can conduct direct surveillance of certified health information technology.

The National Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center received the funding to educate health care sector stakeholders, partners on cybersecurity.

Hospitals and eligible professionals now can register to submit National Health Care Survey data in 2017.

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 requires CMS to remove Social Security numbers from beneficiaries’ Medicare cards by April 2019.

ONC has released a web-based resource that gives providers comprehensive, easy-to-understand information about applying health information technology.

ONC is requesting feedback particularly on interoperability as it relates to social determinants of health and collection of gender identity data.

The new guidance reinforces the importance of compliance with HIPAA to prevent and recover from cyber threats.

Providers have until July 1 to apply for a hardship exception to avoid a penalty for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program.