Privacy Mods... When will they go into effect.....?

[Jim Moores]

Hi All,     The proposed modifications to privacy rule were open for public comment for 30 days, through April 26, 2002.   I haven't found anything on how long HHS will review the comments that were gathered in those 30 days.  My guess is that it will take 60 to 90 days to review the comments and publish a final Reg that modifies the Privacy Rule.  Then it goes to the Office of Management and Budget for final review... probably around 30 days.     Therefore we should see the final Privacy Modification Reg between the end of June and the end of July.  If the Office of Management and Budget holds to their normal timeline, they will approve implementation between the end of July to the end of August.....     Of course, all the scenarios assume that there is no delay for Political or other reasons.... and Sen. Kennedy is/was holding hearings on Medical Privacy.  Bottom line, HHS is better known for the dates that it misses than the dates that it makes.....   Question:  Are the scenarios above accurate and probable?  Am I out in left field?  Have they already been approved (not likely, since I just got off the Office of Management and Budget website on pending rules under review)?  What happens if the modifications are NOT final before April 2003?  What's my risk if I implement Privacy with the modifications, even though the mods aren't yet final?       Jim Moores - HIPAA Team Leader - Privacy Antares Management Solutions 23700 Commerce Park Road Beachwood, Ohio   44122-5832   [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: (216)292-1605 Fax:      (216)292-1619   ********************************************************************** To be removed from this list, go to: http://snip.wedi.org/unsubscribe.cfm?list=privacy and enter your email address. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you are strictly prohibited from printing, storing, disseminating, distributing or copying this communication. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. Thank You, Antares Management Solutions. ==============================================================================