For the first time,  the  Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will  allow entrepreneurs, access to federal healthcare data stores, reversing a longstanding rule barring researchers from  using CMS data for commercial purposes.

Acting CMS Administrator Andy Slavitt said:

“{Tuesday’s} announcement is aimed directly at shaking up healthcare innovation and setting a new standard for data transparency. We expect a stream of new tools for beneficiaries and care providers that improve care and personalize decision-making.”