New AMA Guidance on Revised HIPAA Rules Available

With a Sept. 23 enforcement date looming for revised HIPAA privacy/security/breach notification rules, the American Medical Association has issued a 25-page guidance document.

The guidance in plain English breaks down core compliance provisions in the rule as well as the HHS Office for Civil Rights’ audit program—of whose 170 potential audit areas are very useful as a checklist for an organization’s compliance efforts.

The document includes specific sections on understanding the basics, knowing compliance requirements, prioritizing compliance, making privacy notices meaningful, understanding the breach and security rules, evaluating business associates, knowing patient rights, limiting disclosures to the minimum necessary, understanding penalties and resources for updates. It is available here for members and non-members.