HIPAA Regulations Move a Step Closer
- Could Have Implications for Local Healthcare Providers -
The Final Rules on the “HIPAA Security Standards” and “Modification to Standards for Electronic Transactions and Code Sets” were received by the White House Office of Management & Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OMB/OIRA) last week for review.  The announcement created a stir in many of the healthcare and technology consulting companies waiting for the Final Security Ruling.

“This will eventually have implications for local healthcare providers,” says Julie Tracy of Infotex, a local Information Security consulting firm.  “But all this means is that we're one step closer to the final regulations.  We’ve been operating off the proposed security ruling for almost two years now.”

“The medical and dental practices that are waiting for the final ruling should stay the course,” says Dan Hadaway, President of Infotex.  “Those who are trying to get a jump on the game are in the best position, for we can't find any material changes between the most recent standards and those published in early 2001.”

“Security is a Best Practice,” added Julie Tracy.  “Beyond changes due to new research and technologies, which the standards provide for, the practices will remain essentially the same for years to come.  The key is to get your gap analysis written as soon as possible so you can have more control over the cost of remediation.”

According to announcement, final clearance takes between two weeks and 90 days.  “At that point,” says Hadaway, “the final version of the regulations will be put on display at the Government Printing Office (GPO) in Washington, DC, and then published in the Federal Register.”

For More Information Contact:
infotex 1250 South Creasy Lane, Lafayette, Indiana 47905
Telephone: (765) 448-6847 (866) 271-2831 E-mail: info@infotex.ws