COLOMBIA

On December 18, the Colombian Congress passed the Electronic Health Record Bill (EHR) unifying people’s medical records in a single digital item which doctors may access when treating patients. The Executive branch is expected to enact the initiative in the upcoming days. 

The EHR will contain clinical data set out in a clear and standardized way, respecting the “highest levels of confidentiality.” In addition, patients have the right to acquire a copy of their medical records free of charge, and quickly, whether in physical or digital format. The Ministry of Health will define the conditions under which the interoperability of the data included in the medical records will function.

Once the Executive branch enacts the initiative, health institutions will have a 12-month period to determine the technical requirements for implementing the EHR. The government thus expects that the tool will be up and running throughout the country within five years.