You may be asking yourself, what is net neutrality and what the heck does it have to do with URAC?

Well. Those are both good questions.

Let’s start with the innocuous sounding policy of net neutrality. This is the principle that internet service providers (i.e. Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, etc.) should enable access to all content and applications openly without favoring content, products, or websites over others. This is the foundational element in the internet we all access today and regulations enacted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enforce this principle.

Now to the second question. On Nov. 22^nd, the FCC unveiled its plan to dismantle longstanding federal requirements built on the concept of net neutrality. In short, if the FCC acts on its plan, internet service providers could charge variable rates for specific content.

Much of this debate is both philosophical and political: should the internet be regulated as a utility much the same way electricity is regulated or does less regulation encourage innovation and market growth?

Not a new debate, however, any change away from net neutrality could have a tremendous, real-world impact on URAC, the broader healthcare delivery system, and the pace of innovation.

An end to net neutrality may mean, for example, that access to Cerner’s EHRs are faster and easier than access to Epic’s EHRs. An internet service provider would be potentially free to enter into such an arrangement with an end to net neutrality. They would also be free to enter into an agreement that prioritized the large medical center over smaller practices. One must also consider the impact that variable rates and internet speeds would have on telehealth delivery where quality is dependent on reliable, high-speed internet.

Given the ubiquity of the internet, the potential disruption that net neutrality could have on healthcare cannot be understated. However, the devil is in the details, and given that healthcare markets are local, the type of disruption seen in each community will likely vary.

Though I can’t see around the corner that is the future, we can be certain that the ability to access data and information will continue to be vital to quality healthcare. Thus, any disruption in access to data will require a specific response from every organization including those that have chosen to pursue accreditation to demonstrate their commitment to quality.

While URAC will not engage in the debate around net neutrality, we must be vigilant in considering the potential impact on the healthcare segments we serve.

Click here for a great article summarizing the FCC’s plans for net neutrality.