CMS has fined two hospitals in September for alleged violations of its price transparency rule. This marks the third month in a row that the agency has issued fines against hospitals for price transparency noncompliance, following a yearslong period of light enforcement.

CMS recently fined two hospitals for alleged violations of its price transparency rule. These fines are only the third and fourth penalties issued by the agency since the rule took effect on January 1, 2021. These fines may become more common — CMS also announced that it is updating its enforcement process for the rule.

CMS’ latest proposed rule, which includes stringent penalties for hospitals that are found to be flouting the price transparency rule, comes on the heels of an analysis showing that a vast majority of hospitals are not in compliance with the regulation that went into effect on Jan. 1.

The fine will hopefully serve as a useful reminder to ensure healthcare companies have a protocol in place for ensuring HIPAA compliance.