AHA, MGMA say provider penalties in info blocking final rule are ‘excessive’

The American Hospital Association and the Medical Group Management Association have criticized the Department of Health and Human Services’ rule on information blocking disincentives. Although both groups support interoperability, they expressed concern that high penalties could negatively impact medical institutions. Providers found guilty of information blocking face significant financial penalties and a reduction in Medicare claim payments for a year. Despite the criticism, HHS maintained its approach in the final rule, which effective 30 days after its publication in the Federal Registry.