Information blocking takes place when individuals deliberately inhibit the transfer of electronic health information. It is risky to the patient since delayed and wrong information may lead to issues in patients’ health and delayed care leading to worsening of their health conditions. Information blocking can be addressed by helping federal and state law enforcement agencies to recognize and efficiently investigate information blocking in situations whereby it may go against the federal or state laws.
Federal and state law enforcement agencies have the responsibility to protect the citizens. Information blocking is a threat to the patient’s health and a violation of their right to good health care (Black et al. 2018). When a health practitioner notices or witnesses a case of information bocking, it is their responsibility to take a step to ensure the patient receives good health care. The steps include reporting the case to law enforcement officials to ensure a legal step is taken. However, in some occasions, information blocking is done to protect the patient while in some situations, it is an organizational policy.
Information blocking is used by some organizations due to valid reasons. In some occasions, the patient demands privacy on their information. In situations where the patient’s security is dependent on the health information requires the institutions to carry out information blocking. When the information being requested is not feasible enough or if the information may be used to cause harm on the patient, information blocking is necessary (Everson et al. (2021). Information blocking prevents reception of health services from other institutions which is dangerous. It may also lead to death due to administering of drugs that they are allergic to. The patients may also lose their health records history which is vital for treatment.
Information blocking is intentional blocking of health information from an organization to another or from an organization to an individual. In some occasions, it is done to protect the patient. However, in some situations, it is done deliberately to disadvantage the patient.
