On January 17th, 2013, the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the final ruling for HIPAA called the HIPAA Omnibus Rule. The Final Rule was effective on March 26, 2013 and HHS has allowed covered entities and business associates 180 days from the effective date to become compliant with most of the provisions. Information about the Final Rule can be found on the Government’s website:http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/administrative/omnibus/index.html
Or Review our Client Alert Final – Omnibus Rule
HIPAA Refresher – Client Alert HIPAA Update
IMPORTANT UPDATE TO HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HITECH)
www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/coveredentities/breachnotificationifr.html
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) provides rights and protections for employees and dependents who are covered under group health plans. Features of HIPAA include:
- Limits on Pre-existing conditions.
- Prohibits discrimination against employees and dependents based on their health status.
- Allows for Special Enrollment Periods for employees/dependents who lose coverage or who have a family status change.
- HIPAA also required the adoption of privacy and security standards in order to protect an individuals’ personal Health Information (PHI or ePHI if electronically transmitted).
Learn more today by viewing the following links:
Connecting to HHS.gov Website: Understanding HIPAA Privacy
HIPAA Privacy Rule Explanation (6 Pages – PDF)
Connecting to HHS.gov Website: Understanding HIPAA Security
HIPAA Security Rule Explanation (10 Pages – PDF)