Healthcare Information Blocking Penalties of $1 Million Effective Sept. 1>
– F J Thomas
The 21st Century Cures Act, passed by Congress in 2016, aimed to increase the use of electronic health information (EHI).
The Cures Act Final Rule, which became active in April 2021, banned “information blocking” – practices that interfere with the access, exchange, or use of EHI.
The rule applies to healthcare providers, health IT developers, and health information exchanges/networks.
In 2022, certification attestations began, and all EHI must be made available.
By the end of 2023, EHI export capability will be required.
Penalties for non-compliance and information blocking, potentially as high as $1 million per violation, will come into effect on September 1st.
However, violations prior to this date will not be penalized.
The American Hospital Association and other healthcare organizations have requested a delay in the information blocking deadline, citing unclear requirements and low awareness among small providers.
After the deadline, the Office of Inspector General will begin considering complaints on information blocking, prioritizing those that cause patient harm, impact patient care, are of long duration, cause financial loss, or are performed with actual knowledge.
Link: https://www.workerscompensation.com/daily-headlines/healthcare-information-blocking-penalties-of-1-million-effective-sept-1/