HHS promises 'an active enforcement stance' against health data blocking

"Today's announcement is a warning to actors still engaging in information blocking to come into compliance with the rules governing the flow of patient information and a call to action for patients, providers, payers, local health departments, and health IT companies to report alleged information blocking,"

"Patients must have unfettered access to their health information as guaranteed by law. Providers and certain health IT entities have a legal duty to ensure that information flows where and when it's needed,"

"HHS-OIG will deploy all available authorities to investigate and hold violators accountable. We are committed to enforcing the law and protecting patients' access to health information."

HHS announced an enforcement push targeting providers and other entities that engage in information blocking of electronic health record data. ASTP/ONC will lead enforcement efforts alongside the HHS Office of Inspector General to investigate and penalize entities that limit patient access. The 21st Century Cures Act requires EHR-stored patient data to be accessed, exchanged, and used without special effort via APIs and prohibits information blocking, subject to eight specific exceptions. HHS called on patients, providers, payers, local health departments, and health IT companies to report alleged blocking and warned that OIG will use available authorities to hold violators accountable.

Read at Nextgov.com