The European Council and Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on the proposed European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation. This ground-breaking arrangement will renew promises for delivering high-quality patient care by supporting digital health exchange, scientific research, and a single digital health market across the EU.
The agreement outlines several key benefits:
- Improved Patient Access and Control: EU citizens will gain better access to their electronic health data, whether at home or in another Member State, enhancing patient care across borders.
- Cross-border Health Data Exchange: The EHDS aims to simplify processes for scenarios such as collecting a prescription in-person, or doctors accessing patient health information across the EU or patients receiving test results or diagnoses.
- Research and Policy Boost: Secure access to health data for researchers and policymakers will foster advancements in public research and policy making.
- Interoperability: Adhering to the European electronic health record exchange format (EEHRxF).
- Data Protection and Flexibility: Patients will have the option to opt-out of third-party data use, with safeguards in place to protect sensitive information.
- Trusted Data Holders: Member States may introduce trusted data holders to securely manage access requests to health data, alleviating administration burdens.
