Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013
This Week's News
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HHS releases HIPAA update, sets Sept. 23 compliance deadline
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This Week's News
HHS releases HIPAA update, sets Sept. 23 compliance deadline
A long-anticipated update to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy and security rules, released earlier this month by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will take effect March 26 and expands protections of patients' health information.
The 563-page omnibus rule covers changes required under a number of regulations established since HIPAA was first enacted, including the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), final regulations for breach notification requirements, and privacy protections required under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.
"Much has changed in health care since HIPAA was enacted over 15 years ago," HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a news release. "The new rule will help protect patient privacy and safeguard patients' health information in an ever-expanding digital age."
Physicians, other HIPAA covered entities and their business associates must comply with the new privacy and security requirements by Sept. 23.
In the coming weeks, the AMA will provide a summary of the new HIPAA requirements and updated materials on its HIPAA Web page.
In addition, the AMA Bookstore offers a selection of resources to help physicians comply with current HIPAA requirements and those of the new omnibus rule, including:
- HIPAA Plain and Simple: After the Final Rule. This third edition is scheduled for release this fall and provides detailed analysis to help physicians understand the ins and outs of compliance.
- Handbook for HIPAA-HITECH Security. This new release explains practical ways to interpret the new regulations and ensure compliance.
- AMA HIPAA School. These online courses provide the training physicians and their practice staff need to comply with the current HIPAA regulations. Participants can retest and retrain as needed. The course content will be updated with the new requirements by the March 26 effective date.
AMA members receive a 25 percent discount on these products and others from the AMA Bookstore. If you're not yet a member, join today to take advantage of AMA member benefits such as this.
