On May 9, 2012, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology released the "Guide to Privacy and Security of Health Information." The Guide is intended to assist providers with meeting the enhanced privacy and security requirements which must be "attested to" to achieve "Meaningful Use" of an Electronic Health Record. While oriented to the issues presented to eligible providers, the Guide presents useful information to all providers, including those who do not currently plan to achieve Meaningful Use in the near future. For a copy of the Guide, please click here.
As you prepare for the upcoming release of the new HIPAA/HITECH regulations within the next few weeks, this Guide can reorient practices to many of the privacy and security issues facing health care providers large and small. Given the recent enforcement action against Phoenix Cardiac Surgery, a small physician practice which resulted in an extensive corrective action plan and a $100,000 fine, providers must remain vigilant with regard to maintaining a current and compliant privacy and security program.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call your Baker Donelson attorney.