HHS is expected to issue a final rule amending aspects of HIPAA later this year, and Bellinger Moody, chief compliance officer of Coronis Health, laid out the key aspects to know in a Sept. 4 blog post.
In December 2020, HHS' office for civil rights issued a notice proposing major changes to HIPAA privacy rules – here are six things that ASC leaders and anesthesia providers need to know:
1. The proposed changed mandate that patients have prompt electronic access to health information.
2. The proposed changes also push for strengthening data security measures, according to the report.
"Data security is undeniably the most critical compliance risk area today," Mr. Moody wrote. "... These measures are not just about compliance; they are about protecting the trust that our clients and patients place in us.
3. The proposal also aims to standardize data formats and interoperability protocols, "ensuring that critical health information flows smoothly between different systems," the report said.
4. The changes also seek to alleviate the burden of regulatory requirements by automating compliance tasks and reducing paperwork.
5. Rules on breach notifications would also be refined under the proposed rule, specifying more stringent timelines and clearer guidelines.
6. As telehealth services rapidly evolve the healthcare landscape, the proposed updates aim to ensure these technologies comply with standards without stifling innovation.