The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a final rule to penalize health care providers for information blocking, aligning with the 21st Century Cures Act. The rule establishes disincentives for providers who knowingly interfere with the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information, except when justified by law or regulation. Disincentives include reduced Medicare payments, lowered scores in the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (for the Promoting Interoperability performance category), and potential exclusion from the Medicare Shared Savings Program. The rule, which went into effect on July 31, 2024, is intended to promote more coordinated and efficient health care while ensuring respect and patient privacy.