Final answer:
RHIOs facilitate data exchange between healthcare entities and coordinate patient care but do not regulate pharmaceutical companies. They help in reducing healthcare costs and improving the quality of care by sharing digital health records, while privacy concerns must be addressed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regional health information organizations (RHIOs) perform a variety of functions that contribute to the efficient exchange of health information and coordination of patient care. However, RHIOs do not regulate pharmaceutical companies. Their responsibilities include facilitating data exchange between healthcare entities, coordinating patient care across different providers, and maintaining patient-specific treatment plans.
Nonprofit health organizations, private hospitals, and governmental agencies like Health and Social Services are examples of organizations that might be involved in or interact with RHIOs. With the growing emphasis on the sharing of digital records among health providers, it is critical to ensure that policies are implemented to address concerns such as balancing the costs of treatments, improving patient quality of life, and safeguarding risks to individual privacy.