NABH Releases Draft Standards for HIS & EMR Systems

The standards also include interoperability and certification requirements that are aligned with the NHA's ABDM platform.

The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) has released the draft of the 1st Edition Certification Standards for Hospital Information Systems (HIS) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Systems on July 23, 2024.

Rizwan Koita, chairman of NABH and cofounder of the Koita Foundation, announced the release on LinkedIn.

The release highlighted the participation of over 325 representatives from HIS/EMR companies and hospitals in the industry consultation session.

"It was truly gratifying to release the draft 1st Edition NABH Certification Standards for HIS and EMR Systems today! With the release of these standards, NABH acquires the unique distinction of having clinical standards for hospitals, digital health standards for hospitals, and standards for HIS/EMR products - fully aligned and consistent with each other," Koita stated.

Core Standards

The core standards focus on system support for healthcare data standards and interoperability, ensuring seamless integration across different healthcare platforms.

This is crucial for enhancing communication and data sharing within the healthcare ecosystem.

Commitment standards emphasize a standardized methodology, robust user support, and efficient incident management.

Achievement standards include features such as centralized user management and multi-factor authentication, enhancing the security and management of healthcare information.

Excellence standards include medication management, patient information import, and progress tracking. The system supports multiple payment methods for patient bills, ensuring convenient and efficient transactions.

Training management is also highlighted, with systems assisting in creating and managing staff training calendars.

Pathology Reporting & Patient Accessibility

The draft standards ensure non-editable final pathology reports and clear marking of damaged samples.

Patients can securely access and download their medical reports through various channels, such as email, SMS, messaging apps, or patient portals, promoting timely access to health information.

Mechanisms to flag inaccuracies or the need for repeat tests in laboratory reports are mandated, ensuring the quality and accuracy of medical records and test results.

Additionally, the system sends notifications to patients and healthcare providers once reports are available, facilitating prompt access to crucial medical information and promoting efficient communication within the healthcare system.

Koita urged stakeholders to review the standards and provide feedback, stating, "Please review the standards and share your feedback/inputs, which will add value in drafting the final certification standards."

The standards also include interoperability and certification requirements aligned with the National Health Authority (NHA)'s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) platform.