The final rule implementing new obligations under HITECH and changing obligations under HIPAA is finally out. Covered entities and business associates need to come into compliance with these requirements by September 23, 2013. Is your organization ready? How will the changes affect your operations, and what will you need to do to comply with the new requirements?

Ober|Kaler's privacy lawyers — Jim Wieland, Sarah Swank and Josh Freemire — presented a webinar discussion of the overhaul of the HIPAA/HITECH framework. The presentation looked at the changes and offered recommendations for best practices in the following areas:

- Effective dates and penalties

- Breach notification

- Business associate obligations

- Fundraising and marketing

- Patient rights and access

- Sale of PHI

- School immunization records

- Research

- Decedents

- Genetic information under GINA

- Notice of privacy practices