Today, the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) publishes a proposed rule in the Federal Register by which it seeks to encourage reporting of persons with mental health bars to gun ownership/possession to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). It proposes to do so by revising the HIPAA Privacy Rule to […]
Health Privacy
CMS Releases Updated HIPAA Security Risk Analysis Tipsheet for EHR Meaningful Use Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in conjunction with the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR), has recently issued an updated tipsheet on conducting a security risk assessment for health care providers participating in CMS’s Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Programs. To receive incentive payments through the program, providers must demonstrate meaningful use […]
New HHS OIG Report Raises Concerns about Oversight and Enforcement of HIPAA Security Rule
On Wednesday, December 4, 2013, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report raising concerns about the adequacy of the HHS Office for Civil Rights’ (OCR) oversight and enforcement of HIPAA’s Security Rule. The Security Rule establishes the administrative, physical, and technical safeguards that covered entities and their business associates are required to implement […]
FTC Announces 2014 Spring Seminars Disclosing Future Regulatory Focus
Yesterday, the Federal Trade Commission announced three main topics that will be the focus of its Spring 2014 privacy seminars. The areas to be examined are: (1) Mobile Device Tracking; (2) Alternative Scoring Products; and (3) Consumer Generated and Controlled Health Data. The Mobile Device Tracking seminar, which is open to the public, will take […]
California Privacy Ballot Initiative Moves Forward: Act Would Amend California Constitution to Set Standards for Collection and Protection of Personally Identifying Information, including Financial and/or Health Information
California Secretary of State Debra Bowen has allowed signature collection to commence for a ballot initiative, named the Personal Privacy Protection Act, that could drastically alter the California privacy regime. The initiative, led by former state Senator Steve Peace and retired attorney Michael Thorsnes, seeks to amend the California Constitution to define personally identifiable information […]