OMB Delays Final Rule for HIPAA Privacy and Security Regulations
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) postponed publication of the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) Final Rule. OMB planned to publish the final rule in June, approximately 90 days after the Department of Health and Human Services submitted the rule for OMB’s review. However, OMB has delayed release of the final rule and did not provide information on the cause of the delay.
The long-awaited final rule is expected to contain several changes to the HIPAA regulations as required under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009. Specifically, the final rule is expected to address:
- Use of patients’ genetic information by health plans;
- Use of patient health information for marketing;
- Breach notification requirements;
- Expanding HIPAA Security Rule provisions to apply to business associates; and
- Establishing new penalty levels for violations.
OMB has not announced a new publication date for the final rule.
The OMB regulatory update is available at:
“List of Regulatory Actions Currently Under Review.” 27 Jun. 2012. Office of Management and Budget. 3 Jul. 2010. <http://www.reginfo.gov/public/jsp/EO/eoDashboard.jsp?agency_cd=0000&agency_ nm=All&stage_cd=4&from_page=index.jsp&sub_index=0>.