The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has finalized regulations to deter healthcare organizations from information blocking, which refers to unreasonably interfering with the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information. Effective 30 days after publication, the rule establishes disincentives for hospitals, clinicians, and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) that are found to participate in information blocking. These disincentives may include being deemed non-meaningful users of Electronic Health Records (EHR), resulting in reduced Medicare payments or ineligibility for performance incentives. The rule aims to ensure both patients and providers have timely and efficient access to health information while maintaining patient privacy.
