The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (hereinafter referred to as "the Department") released the HIPAA/HITECH final omnibus rule (the "Final Rule") on January 17, 2013, which rule contains long-awaited rules and clarifications regarding the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA") Privacy, Security and Enforcement Rules and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act ("HITECH Act"). Most of the provisions of the Final Rule are effective September 23, 2013.
This Special Edition on the HIPAA Omnibus Final Rule Part I is the first of two parts that contain informative summaries of the major changes resulting from the Final Rule. In this issue, we summarize the rules as to data breach and related topics. Our next issue in February will focus primarily on the changes in the Final Rule regarding Business Associates, Business Associate Agreements and the Security Rule.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.