What role does the Affordable Care Act play in health information exchange?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) plays a significant role in encouraging the use of health information exchange (HIE) as part of its broader goals to improve healthcare quality, increase efficiency, and enhance access to care. By promoting interoperability and the electronic sharing of health information among providers, the ACA aims to facilitate better coordination of care, reduce duplication of services, and improve patient outcomes.

The ACA emphasizes the importance of data sharing and supports initiatives that enable healthcare providers to access patient health information seamlessly. This not only helps providers make more informed clinical decisions but also aligns with the federal government's objectives to increase the use of technology in healthcare, ultimately leading to a more patient-centered approach.

The other options suggest limitations or prohibitions that don't align with the ACA's intent to promote health information exchange as a means of enhancing healthcare delivery. The act's focus on improving population health management and streamlining care encourages the development and implementation of HIE systems, illustrating its supportive role in advancing healthcare technology and information sharing.