Coming to a State Near You

The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) that enforces HIPAA Privacy, Security and those pesky HITECH mandates (the final language of which is due any day now), has announced four 2-day training courses for all state attorney's general.  The programs will be taking place at different locations around the country (Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco, Washington, D.C.) beginning in April.  The advertisement on the DHHS website states.  The purpose of the program is "To help State Attorneys General begin to implement their enforcement authority under the HITECH Act."

Among the many issues to be covered are

• Investigative techniques for identifying and prosecuting potential violations
• OCR's role in enforcing the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules
• SAG roles and responsibilities under HIPAA and the HITECH Act
• Resources for SAG in pursuing alleged HIPAA violations
• HIPAA Enforcement Support and Results

So be aware, and be prepared. Between the seven figure penalties imposed last month and the trainings beginning next month, providers are advised to get their HIPAA and HITECH houses in order.