March 13, 2021 | less than a minute read

Extension of Comment Period for Proposed Modifications to the HIPAA Privacy Rule

Katten

If you didn't get an opportunity to provide comments on the proposed modifications to the HIPAA Privacy Rule, you still have time. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights has announced a 45-day extension of the public comment period to May 6, 2021. OCR anticipates that there will be a high degree of interest by the public in providing feedback on the Proposed Rules.

The proposed changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule include strengthening individuals’ rights to access their own health information, including electronic information; improving information sharing for care coordination and case management for individuals; facilitating greater family and caregiver involvement in the care of individuals experiencing emergencies or health crises; enhancing flexibilities for disclosures in emergency or threatening circumstances, such as the Opioid and COVID-19 public health emergencies; and reducing administrative burdens on HIPAA covered health care providers and health plans, while continuing to protect individuals’ health information privacy interests.

www.hhs.gov/...