Article first appeared in The Journal Record - June 3, 2010.

When the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, commonly referred to as “HIPAA,” was enacted, commentators enjoyed making comparisons between the daunting HIPAA privacy regulations and a “hippo.” Hospitals, physician groups, dental practices, nursing facilities, and other health care providers who have spent considerable amounts of money and man-hours implementing the privacy requirements would likely describe HIPAA in less favorable terms, particularly after another new set of requirements, known as “HITECH,” were enacted as part of this year’s health care reform legislation.

Article authored by McAfee & Taft Attorney: Pat Rogers.