HHS unveils interactive compliance plan for HIPAA extension - Updata - Health and Human Services - Brief Article

Healthcare Financial Management, June, 2002

HHS has posted the interactive, electronic version of its previously released model compliance plan for obtaining a one-year implementation extension for the HIPAA transactions and code sets standards. Covered entities have the option of submitting their own version of the compliance plan (which provides equivalent information) or adhering to HHS's model plan. Entities choosing the latter option may submit the plan using the new interactive version, which automatically provides the sender a confirmation number and may allow for faster submission. HHS also will accept compliance plans via postal mail, but a confirmation number will not be given.

The 2001 HIPAA Administrative Simplification Compliance Act (ASCA) provides for the delay, which allows most entities a one-year extension of the compliance deadline for the transactions and code sets standards. The compliance deadline will not be extended later than October 16, 2003; entities must submit a compliance plan to HHS by October 15, 2002, to qualify for the extension. (Small health plans--those with less than $5 million in receipts--are unaffected because their deadline already is October 16, 2003.) The compliance plan must include information on the entity's budget, assessment of compliance concerns, whether a contractor or vendor might be used to help achieve compliance, and a schedule for testing.

To access the interactive electronic version of the model plan, go to http://www.cms.gov/hipaa/hipaa2/ ASCAForm.asp.