PAD Coverage in Washington State
ACR backs updated coverage for peripheral artery disease care in Washington State.
Read moreMain Content
HHS Finalizes Provider Disincentives for Information Blocking Violations
June 26, 2024
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule on disincentives for provider-actors found by the HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to be in violation of information blocking regulations. The regulations prohibit unreasonable practices likely to interfere with, prevent or materially discourage access, exchange or use of electronic health information.
Health information networks/exchanges and developers of certified health IT are already subject to civil monetary penalties for information blocking violations, as established by a June 2023 OIG rule. The latest “provider disincentives” final rule effectively completes HHS’ implementation of the related section of the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016, eight years after becoming law.
Allegations of blocking behaviors will be prioritized by the OIG and investigated on a case-by-case basis. OIG plans to prioritize those allegations of blocking that: resulted in patient harm or impacted a provider’s ability to provide care; occurred over a long period of time; and caused financial loss to federal programs. Investigators must determine whether the accused provider had knowledge a given practice was “unreasonable” as well as a “likely interference.” When a violation is confirmed, the OIG will refer the case to CMS for application of corresponding disincentives. Additionally, the ONC will post data about the violation on a public-facing website. The provider disincentives include:
For more background and educational resources, visit the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) Information Blocking webpage. ACR members with questions can also contact Michael Peters, ACR Senior Government Affairs Director.
PAD Coverage in Washington State
ACR backs updated coverage for peripheral artery disease care in Washington State.
Read moreACR Champions Medical Imaging
ACR joined imaging societies on Capitol Hill to advocate for federal imaging research funding and showcase innovations to Congress.
Read moreACR Backs Funding for Lorna Breen Mental Health Act
ACR urges Congress to fund the Lorna Breen Act, backing $45M to support healthcare workersâ mental health and reduce stigma and burnout.
Read more