What is the Omnibus Rule?

On January 17, 2013, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a final ruling called the Omnibus Rule that was meant to strengthen and modernize HIPAA by incorporating provisions of the HITECH Act (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act) and the GINA Act (Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008) as well as finalizing, clarifying, and providing detailed guidance on many previous aspects of HIPAA.

The final Omnibus Rule becomes effective March 26, 2013. Covered entities and Business Associates have until September 23, 2013 to comply (180 days beyond the effective date).

Who is required to comply with the Omnibus Rule?

Covered Entities (healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses) and Business Associates (all third party vendors and business partners that create, receive, maintain, or transmit protected health information (PHI) on behalf of a Covered Entity).

Is your training updated for the Omnibus Rule?

Yes our training is up to date with the Omnibus Rule. We have a separate chapter that specifically covers updates from both the ARRA/HITECH Act of 2009 and the Omnibus Rule of 2013.