Legislation

HIMSS Policy Briefing on the European Health Data Space (EHDS)

Doctor charting data using technology.

In May 2022, the European Commission published a legislative proposal to set up the European Health Data Space. The goal of this proposal is to unleash the full potential of health data in the EU, in order to make healthcare systems more sustainable and resilient. At HIMSS, we are pleased to see that the European Union is nurturing the ongoing digital health transformation to a very high standard.

This policy briefing document looks to help our members and to the wider global digital health community, to make this complex legislative proposal easier to digest by explaining its purpose and infrastructure, including key features such as primary and secondary use of data, interoperability of electronic health records (EHRs), and governance.

To learn more on this topic after reading the briefing, you are also welcome to download HIMSS’ opinion on the EHDS which was submitted to the European Commission’s public consultation on this matter here: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12663-Digital-health-data-and-services-the-European-health-data-space/F3331355_en