Interoperability as Factor of Law Developmentin the Digital Economy (eHealth Case)

Abstract

The development of eHealth in the digital economy requires a comprehensive informationexchange between all stakeholders. This interaction is ensured through the interoperabilityof information systems, data, technical solutions, processes and management methods.In an interoperable information environment, a synergistic effect of interaction isachieved, in which each participant benefits from the use of data and increases theefficiency of their activities. Interoperability is necessary to create a single barrier-freeinformation environment based on the principles of openness, transparency, reusability,technological neutrality, user-centricity, information security and privacy. The articlereveals the principles of interoperability applicable to the field of e-Health with referenceto the experience of the European Union where the concept of interoperability has beenmost developed. Each of the principles is examined through the prism of legal issues thatneed to be taken into account during their implementation. Particular attention is paidto standardization, information security requirements (including the security of medicaldevices and applications), conflict resolution between the principle of long-term storageof data for reuse and legislation on personal data. The article points out the positive stepstowards the regulatory and legal support of the interaction of health information systemsin the Russian Federation. Thus, the Russian legislation provides the framework for developmentof the Unified state health information system (EGISZ). However, it stressesthe fact that interoperability should not be isolated (intra-industry). Interoperability in abroad sense means openness of interaction with other information systems (intersectoralinteraction), the architecture of which should also be built on similar universal standards.This purpose reasons the need to develop a unified strategy for interoperability in the RussianFederation. Such a strategy requires an integrated approach at the national level andparticipation of all stakeholders in its development and implementation.
For citation: Zhuravlev M.S. (2019) Interoperability as a Factor of Law Development in the Digital Economy (eHealth case). Pravo. Zhurnal Vysshey shkoly ekonomiki, no 3, pp. 98–116 (in Russian) DOI: 10.17-323/2072-8166.2019.3.98.116