Our colleagues Mark E. Lutes, Robert J. Hudock, and Patricia M. Wagner have issued an alert on modifications to the HIPAA privacy, security, and enforcement rules. Following is an excerpt:
On January 17, 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services released the highly anticipated, 563 page, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) regulations (the “Final Rule”) that have been delayed for over 3 years. The Final Rule will be published in the Federal Register on January 25, 2013. The Final Rule addresses many of the compliance issues and unanswered questions facing covered entities and business associates. The effective date of the Final Rule is March 26, 2013--with a compliance date (for most provisions) by September 23, 2013 (there is an additional grace period for certain provisions). Epstein Becker Green is preparing an in-depth analysis of the Final Rule which will be forthcoming. In the meantime, below is a high level summary of the significant changes included in the Final Rule. Read the full alert here.
Note that Ms. Wagner and Mr. Hudock will host a free webinar on this topic, titled "The Final Omnibus HIPAA Rule," on January 24, at 12:00 p.m. EST.