The federal government has been partially shut down since Dec. 22, affecting various federal programs and initiatives — including the release of the HHS' ONC's information blocking rule.
ONC told the Politico Morning eHealth newsletter that the information blocking rule — a set of guidelines aimed at breaking down barriers to the exchange of health information — won't make its long-awaited debut until after the shutdown. The rule's release has been delayed several times since the agency was first tasked with developing it under the 21st Century Cures Act.
A draft of the rule is currently sitting with the Office of Management and Budget, one of the agencies placed on furlough during the shutdown.
Other work at the ONC has not been affected by the shutdown, Politico reports. The agency's next Health IT Advisory Committee meeting is still slated for Jan. 23.