What is "information blocking" in the context of HIPAA?

"Information blocking" within the context of HIPAA refers specifically to practices that hinder or obstruct the access to or sharing of electronic protected health information (ePHI). This definition aligns with regulatory efforts aimed at promoting interoperability and ensuring that patients and healthcare providers can freely access and exchange health information when necessary.

The emphasis on ePHI underscores the importance of electronic communication in healthcare today. Bars to access or sharing not only impact the patient-provider relationship but also can impede the overall quality of care by preventing timely, informed decision-making. The prohibition of information blocking is a critical aspect of recent healthcare regulations, which seek to create a more efficient and open exchange of health data.

This understanding contrasts sharply with other options. For instance, while the creation of electronic health records is essential for patient management, simply failing to create them does not directly relate to information blocking. Similarly, while attempts to prevent patients from accessing their files or delaying access for administrative reasons are problematic, they are not as broadly defined as practices that interfere with the overall sharing and access of ePHI across systems. Thus, the focus on practices that directly interfere with access and sharing accurately captures the essence of information blocking under HIPAA.