The Office for Civil Rights of the US Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (“WEDI”), has announced a series of four free webinars on compliance with the latest Omnibus HIPAA/HITECH final rule, which implements significant changes in the requirements imposed upon health care organizations, providers, and their business associates. Final compliance with the new rule is required by September 23, 2013.
Aimed at smaller clinical practices, the webinars will address topics including the new breach notification requirements, new Business Associate liability, and enforcement. The first webinar will be held on June 14, 2013.
While we advise clients to review these matters with their legal counsel, it can be quite informative to hear the requirements and compliance expectations directly from the agency responsible for enforcement. Providers should be prepared to revise their policies and documents, including Business Associate Agreements, well before the September dealine.
Note that the webinars are free, but registration with WEDI is required in order to register.