In the Headlines
July 9, 2010
HIPAA Expansion Regs Released
POLITICO Pulse
HIPAA Partner Shannon Hartsfield was quoted in a POLITICO Pulse news brief titled, "HIPAA Expansion Regs Released."
The new HIPAA regulations, expanding requirements to subcontractors and business associates of health providers, could entail stiff fines for violations. The regulations cover billing companies and accounting firms in the same way that doctors and hospitals are currently covered. Additionally, the proposed regulations allow covered entities to contact patients without their prior approval as long as they include it in their notice of privacy practices. Ms. Hartsfield noted that the provision is likely to get a lot of comments, particularly on how big an exception the companies should get.
The new HIPAA regulations, expanding requirements to subcontractors and business associates of health providers, could entail stiff fines for violations. The regulations cover billing companies and accounting firms in the same way that doctors and hospitals are currently covered. Additionally, the proposed regulations allow covered entities to contact patients without their prior approval as long as they include it in their notice of privacy practices. Ms. Hartsfield noted that the provision is likely to get a lot of comments, particularly on how big an exception the companies should get.