With over 35 years of experience in the healthcare industry, RMW Associates has specialized in HIPAA compliance since the law was created in 1996. 

Working with both larger healthcare organizations and small private offices, RMW Associates has built organizational awareness, provided comprehensive assessment of security systems, policies and procedure and has educated more than12,000 healthcare professionals.

What has changed?
There were major changes to HIPAA as a result of the of the HITECH Act in February 2009. The final changes were published in January 2013

• More companies are covered by HIPAA.  Even Consultants like RMW are now held to HIPAA rules. The chain of responsibility has been extended to subcontractors.
• Fines for "willfully ignoring" the rules have been dramatically increased. Of more concern are the changes in who can criminally enforce the rules and who can take a covered entity to civil court if Privacy or Security breaches happen. 
• Record keeping requirements have changed as have a patients ability to request disclosure information.
Who is affected?
Virtually all healthcare organizations at any level.  Even companies that provide personal health records through your provider may be effected. 

What is the deadline for compliance?
Many covered entities need to be compliant now. All of the new rules have a compliance date of September 23, 2013.  
What else will I need to do?
Your Policy and Procedure manuals and your Business Associate contracts must be updated by the compliance date.