HHS Information Blocking and Interoperability Regulations Now in Effect
HIPAA Journal
Steve Alder
The new information blocking and interoperability regulations developed by the Department of Health and Human Services as part of the 21st Century Cures Act took effect on Monday this week. It has been over a year since the final rule was released, and now the benefits of the information blocking and interoperability provisions can now be realized.
The final rule defines information blocking and stipulates the penalties for providers that engage in activities that interfere with access, exchange, and use of electronic health information (EHI). The final rule also gives patients new rights over their healthcare data and allows them to request it be sent to the application of their choosing.
The compliance date was April 5, 2021, after which healthcare providers, certified health IT developers, and health information exchanges must comply with...