New HHS Rule Aims to Prevent Health Providers from Blocking Patient Information Sharing

Health care providers are now at risk of facing penalties if they prevent patients from accessing their electronic health information, following a rule announced by the Biden administration on Monday. The rule, finalized by the US Department of Health and Human Services under RIN: 0955-AA05, targets hospitals in the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program that obstruct the sharing of health information.

Under this rule, hospitals that engage in “information blocking” may lose their meaningful electronic health record user status, which comes with financial incentives. Additionally, these hospitals could be prevented from earning up to 75% of their annual market-based increase. This is intended to encourage health care providers to prioritize the seamless sharing of electronic health information with patients.

In addition to hospitals, Accountable Care Organization health providers are also subject to these penalties if they are found to be blocking access to patients’ health information. This rule highlights the importance of transparency and accessibility in the health care system, empowering patients to take control of their own health information for better outcomes.