Final HIPAA Security Rule Released

The final HIPAA Security Rule has been released for publication in the February 20th Federal Register. An advance copy of the final Security Rule at http://www.pwwemslaw.com.

The Security Rule is separate from the Privacy Rule. Nothing has changed with respect to the Privacy Rule. The compliance deadline for the Privacy Rule is still April 14, 2003. Everything contained in our HIPAA privacy compliance products, “The Ambulance Service Guide to HIPAA Compliance – Second Edition” and “HPTV – The HIPAA Privacy Training Video” — is still completely valid, timely and accurate information and is not affected or superseded by the new Security Rule.

The Security Rule will become effective on April 21, 2003, but covered entities will have two full years to come into compliance with this part of HIPAA. The Security Rule compliance deadline will be April 21, 2005. But remember, the compliance deadline under the privacy rule is still April 14, 2003, and no delays or extensions are on the horizon.

Courtesy of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth, LLC, http://www.pwwemslaw.com, A National EMS, Ambulance and Medical Transportation Law Firm.

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