Be aware that the date for compliance is coming up fast. Overview of the New Rules Enhanced Encryption Standards To ensure the highest level of data protection, the new HIPAA rules mandate the use of advanced encryption methods for both data at rest and data in transit. This includes: Encryption of all electronic protected health information (ePHI) using AES-256 or a higher standard. Mandatory encryption of emails containing ePHI. Encryption of ePHI stored on portable devices such … [Read more...] about New HIPAA Security Rules Effective March 7, 2025
EHR Hack Causes Clinic to Close
The libertarian-leaning Citizen's Council for Health Freedom is reporting on a massive patient data hack at a clinic in Michigan. The doctors refused to pay the ransom demanded by hackers that attacked the clinic's EHR with ransomware. The hackers then wiped the entire system, deleting all patient data. This blow caused the two doctors running the clinic to retire early: “Rather than rebuild their practice from scratch, the doctors retired early, leaving their patients to find … [Read more...] about EHR Hack Causes Clinic to Close
Federal HHS Seeking Comment on Reducing Regulatory Burdens of HIPAA Rules
Comments due February 11, 2019: Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR), issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input from the public on how the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Rules, especially the HIPAA Privacy Rule, could be modified to further the HHS Secretary’s goal of promoting coordinated, value-based healthcare. This RFI is a part of the Regulatory Sprint to Coordinated Care, … [Read more...] about Federal HHS Seeking Comment on Reducing Regulatory Burdens of HIPAA Rules
Three Federal Health Privacy Rules including HIPPA to be reformed by HHS
U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) laws let providers share certain private information with patient family members and outside groups in emergencies; and now the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary Alex Azar confirmed that HHS will undertake an effort to reform federal health privacy rules, stating that "In the coming months, under the leadership of my deputy secretary, Eric Hargan, HHS will be releasing requests for information … [Read more...] about Three Federal Health Privacy Rules including HIPPA to be reformed by HHS
Deadline Approaching to Update All Intellectual Disability/Related Conditions
Deadline Approaching to Update All Intellectual Disability/Related Conditions - Assessments to Comply With the International Classification of Disease TransitionThe deadline for updating an individual’s Intellectual Disability/Related Conditions Assessment (ID/RC) with International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) diagnostic codes is September 30, 2016. Information describing the requirement for these changes and instructions for making these changes is outlined in the Texas … [Read more...] about Deadline Approaching to Update All Intellectual Disability/Related Conditions
Use of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Field 27 of the Intellectual Disability/Related Condition Assessment
The purpose of this information letter (IL) is to provide information and guidance on the use of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), when submitting the International Classification of Diseases, Version 10 (ICD-10) diagnosis codes in Field 27 of the Intellectual Disability/Related Condition (ID/RC) Assessment (Form 8578).Effective October 1, 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will require healthcare providers and governmental … [Read more...] about Use of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Field 27 of the Intellectual Disability/Related Condition Assessment
HHSC Security Incident
HHSC is notifying clients about a recent security incident involving the information of 409 Medicaid recipients. The files included client names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, Supplemental Security Income case numbers and addresses. HHSC sent letters to the affected clients, but some were returned due to outdated information so the agency has posted this notice on its website. [HIPAA Notice] … [Read more...] about HHSC Security Incident
HIPAA Alert!!
Don't forget the September 23, 2013 deadline to comply with the HIPAA mega rule. Focus on the following: Business Associate Agreements Updating "Notice of Privacy Practices" Adding privacy and security changes to policies and procedures Revising your security breach protocol Encrypting as much as possible Educating staff about the new requirements Also, please note that breaches by your business associates and their subcontractors are your responsibility under the new rules. … [Read more...] about HIPAA Alert!!
