New Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, which expand the scope of responsible parties to include vendors who contract with healthcare companies, are set to take effect on March 26. Anyone who "creates, maintains, receives or transmits Protected Health Information," is liable under the new regulations, says a Reuters article.
Announced in January, the new regulations also expand the definition of health-information privacy, make it easier for patients to know there has been a breach and presume any breach will cause harm, putting the burden on the healthcare provider or their associates to prove otherwise, says the article. The original 1996 act treated an incident as a breach only if it would likely harm a patient's finances or reputation, or cause other harm.
Another change to HIPAA is that individual penalties can go as high as $1.5 million per infraction, says the article. Businesses will have until Sept. 23 to comply with the changes.
Read the article.
New HIPAA regulations include vendors as responsible parties
New Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, which expand the scope of responsible parties to include vendors who contract with healthcare companies, are set to take effect on March 26.
By Healthcare Facilities Today
March 19, 2013
Topic Area: Industry News
Recent Posts
Infrastructure Issues: Assisting Mobility-Challenged Visitors
Parking constraints, mobility needs and patient experience priorities are elevating arrival pathways as a strategic planning issue.
Willis-Knighton Medical Center Upgrades Chilled Water Plant
The medical center sought upgrades through Trane to add capacity, control comfort, increase redundancy and reduce energy costs.
NYC Health + Hospitals Reports Data Breach
It appears that the unauthorized actor may have gained access to NYC Health + Hospitals systems due to a security breach at a third-party vendor.
Redefining What Mental Health Facilities Look Like
A new Mental Health and Addictions Center uses design and architecture to challenge the stigma and create a more open model of care.
Managing High-Volume Laundry Operations
Tips and tricks one director has learned in three decades of managing a large, high-volume laundry operation.