The Federal Trade Commission issued notices on March 5 seeking public comment on proposed amendments to the regulations implementing the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, commonly known as the Safeguards Rule and Privacy Rule. Once the notices are published in the Federal Register comments must be received within 60 days. The proposed changes to the Safeguards Rule add a number of more detailed security requirements, whereas the proposed changes to the Privacy Rule are more focused on technical changes to align the Rule with changes in law over the past decade.
Tag Archives: privacy rule
HHS Seeking Input on HIPAA Changes
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a Request for Information (RFI) regarding how the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules could be modified to reduce regulatory burdens and to improve care coordination, case management, and value-based health care. In addition to opening the door for public comments on current challenges and potential modifications to the HIPAA Rules, the RFI specifically requests feedback on anticipated changes to several specific provisions of the Privacy Rule.
HHS Reaches First Settlement with Local Government Over HIPAA Violations
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent a strong message to local governments last week when it reached a settlement with Skagit County, Washington over alleged violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This is the first time that HHS has settled charges against a local—and not state level—government entity for HIPAA violations.
HHS Issues New HITECH/HIPAA Rule: Top Ten Changes
In the most significant change to HIPAA since the law was enacted, the Department of Health and Human Services issued an omnibus HIPAA regulation, which will require substantial operational changes for HIPAA covered entities and their business associates. Ten important changes are: Changes to the data breach rule will make more incidents reportable. Business associates are […]