AMA backs HHS’ crackdown on information blocking

The American Medical Association is supporting new federal enforcement measures aimed at curbing information blocking, a practice the group says has long impeded patient care and physician efficiency.

Here are five things to know:

1. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Sept. 3 that it will penalize EHR developers, health information networks and other entities that block access to patient data.
2. Under the new framework, the HHS Office of Inspector General can issue civil fines of up to $1 million per violation. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology will also investigate complaints and refer violators for enforcement.
3. AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD, said in a Sept. 10 AMA press release that the move represents “the clarity physicians and patients have been waiting for.” He added that stronger oversight could reduce care delays, duplicative testing and physician burnout linked to fragmented data systems.
4. The AMA has pushed for stricter measures for years, calling for “real, enforceable consequences” for repeat offenders. The organization urged HHS to prioritize action against EHR developers and networks that use technical, legal or financial barriers to block data sharing.
5. The group also encouraged physicians to report suspected violations through HHS channels and called for safeguards to protect clinicians from retaliation.

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