Is more HIPAA Enforcement on the way? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), announced the formation of a new Enforcement Division, Policy Division, and Strategic Planning Division. The newly established Strategic Planning Division will coordinate the OCR’s authorities to protect ... Read More »
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) delivered their annual report to congress and noted there have been significant increases in HIPAA complaints and large breaches. They also noted that there have not been increases in appropriations during the same time frame. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) requested that the HITECH civil ... Read More »
When a patient or a patient’s representative requests a copy of medical records it is very important to act promptly. Currently you have 30 days to comply with this request, and one 30-day extension (if you advise the patient/representative that you will need more time and you give them a date when they will be available). We expect this time ... Read More »
Happy New Year! As we look back on 2022, we noticed that the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has really started enforcing the Patients Right of Access. To see a list of fines and resolutions agreements, check out our What are some of the actual HIPAA fines page. Here is a recap of what you need to be aware of: 1. Information Blocking – ... Read More »