What does health information blocking refer to?

Health information blocking refers specifically to the interference with the exchange of electronic health information. This can manifest as practices that make it difficult for patients, healthcare providers, and other authorized entities to access or share electronic health records (EHRs) and related data seamlessly. Such interference negatively impacts care continuity, limits patients' ability to control their health information, and can hinder informed decision-making by healthcare providers.

The concept is critically relevant in today's digital health landscape, where the efficient exchange of health information is essential for delivering high-quality patient care. Enforcing regulations that prevent information blocking promotes transparency, interoperability, and collaboration among healthcare stakeholders, ultimately benefiting patients by ensuring they have timely access to their health data.