H.R.2002 - Patient Matching And Transparency in Certified Health IT Act of 2025; MATCH IT Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2002, the "Patient Matching And Transparency in Certified Health IT Act of 2025" or "MATCH IT Act of 2025," aims to improve patient matching within the healthcare system by establishing standards and protocols. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a uniform definition for patient match rate and a standard data set to improve patient matching. It also incorporates the minimum data set for patient matching into certification requirements and provides additional incentives to promote interoperability.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is improved accuracy in patient identification and matching, leading to reduced medical errors and unnecessary costs. It will also promote interoperability among healthcare providers and systems. The bill mandates the creation of standards and protocols, which will likely require healthcare providers and technology vendors to update their systems and processes.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced medical errors due to improved patient identification.
- Lower healthcare costs by eliminating duplicate tests and procedures.
- Enhanced patient privacy by minimizing overlaid records and unauthorized disclosures.
- Improved interoperability of electronic health records.
- Increased patient safety and better health outcomes.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs for healthcare providers and technology vendors to implement new standards and update systems.
- Possible challenges in achieving the 99.9 percent patient match rate target.
- Risk of unintended consequences or unforeseen issues during implementation.
- The voluntary nature of the bonus measure may limit its effectiveness.
- Potential for increased administrative burden on healthcare providers.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve public health and reduce healthcare costs. It does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms. The establishment of standards and protocols falls within the purview of Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce, as it affects the flow of health information across state lines.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).