HIPAA Security Rules Compliance Deadline Fast Approaching!!

Small group health plans must comply by April 20, 2006

By Jason T. Froggatt and Sarah L. Bhagwandin
Published by DWT's Employer Services Department

Any employer that sponsors a group health plan that creates, maintains, or transmits protected health information electronically must comply with the security regulations issued pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (the “Security Rules”). The Security Rules are intended to create national safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of an individual’s health information that is maintained, stored, sent or received in an electronic format. These rules apply to medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as health flexible spending accounts and many employee assistance plans.

The deadline for small group health plans to comply with the Security Rules is
April 20, 2006. Large group health plans were required to comply with the rules by April 20, 2005. Continue reading...