DHHS Announces HIPAA Changes

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has JUST announced new rules (modifications) to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy and security regulations. The final omnibus rule greatly enhances a patient’s privacy protections, provides individuals new rights to their health information, and strengthens the government’s ability to enforce the law.   For the DHHS Press Release see: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2013pres/01/20130117b.html   The Rulemaking announced today may be viewed at https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection.  The rules are expected to be published in the Federal Register on January 25, 2013.