The growth of health care IT has focused more attention on patient access to their health information, and regulatory entities are paying attention, particularly when it comes to "information blocking."

Information blocking happens when designated entities — providers, IT developers, health information networks, or others — intentionally deny or materially discourage appropriate access, exchange, or use of electronic health information. The concept is an important one: The federal government has already implemented regulations around information blocking that include serious penalties.

Your best bet to avoid penalties or other run-ins? Learn as much as you can to identify and address processes that are likely to constitute information blocking. Here are resources that can help you get a complete picture.