Overview

• HHS said it will devote additional resources to curbing practices that restrict access, exchange or use of electronic health information.
• Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins said OIG will use all available authorities to investigate and hold violators accountable.
• National Coordinator Tom Keane said ASTP/ONC has begun reviewing reports and providing technical assistance for OIG cases.
• Certified developers, health information networks and exchanges face civil penalties up to $1 million per violation, with potential certification termination.
• Medicare-enrolled providers can face CMS program disincentives if found to have committed information blocking, and HHS urged stakeholders to report suspected incidents via ONC’s portal.