Verisma
Compliance & Regulatory
Resources
Compliance & Regulatory Roundtable
Join us May 14, 2025 for a special interactive discussion on current regulatory topics. Seats are limited, so register today!
Regulatory Brief: Proposed Rule to Support Reproductive Health Privacy (April 2023)
Following the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs, President Biden directed that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Federal Trade Commission review existing laws and regulations for opportunities to further bolster reproductive healthcare. This regulatory brief explains the April 2023 NPRM that was released as part of this initiative.
HIPAA vs. HITECH vs. Cures Act: A Fragmented Regulatory Landscape
The healthcare privacy landscape in the U.S. is fragmented, lacking a universal law and relying on a patchwork of federal and state regulations overseen by multiple agencies. This whitepaper sheds light on federal privacy laws, patient access regulations, and how the existing patchwork fails to offer comprehensive patient privacy protections.
5 Common “Tells” of a Fraudulent Request
Fraudulent requests are a growing concern with far-reaching risks, from compromising sensitive patient data to violating privacy regulations and facing potential legal consequences. We compiled a list of “red flags” for the HI community as a reference to identify and stop these attacks.
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In the News
April 8, 2025
CMS Releases CY 2026 Medicare Advantage Payment Policies
TechTarget | Medicare Advantage payments are expected to increase by an average of 5.06% next year, according to the recently released 2026 Rate Announcement for the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Programs.
April 2, 2025
Mass HHS Layoffs Spark Fears of Public Health Crisis
Chief Healthcare Executive | HHS Secretary RFK Jr. announced 10,000 layoffs, aimed at reducing bureaucracy while maintaining essential health and safety personnel. However, public health leaders argue the cuts disproportionately affect critical programs, including HIV prevention, anti-smoking efforts, and environmental disaster response.
March 28, 2025
Federal Union Draws Up Lawsuit Over Trump EO as RFK Jr. Readies 10,000 HHS Cuts
Fierce Healthcare | President Donald Trump signed an executive order granting authority to end collective bargaining across federal unions, impacting workers in key health and science agencies such as the CDC, FDA, and Veterans Affairs. The move follows an announcement from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that the department will cut 10,000 jobs as part of a broader reorganization effort aimed at reducing bureaucracy and saving $1.8 billion annually.
March 26, 2025
OCR Reviews HIPAA Security Rule Comments, Revives Audit Program
TechTarget | The HHS Office for Civil Rights is reviewing 4,745 comments received on proposed updates to the HIPAA Security Rule. The OCR is also reviving its HIPAA audit program and has asked 50 covered entities and business associates to undergo audits of Security Rule provisions relevant to hacking and ransomware, says OCR Deputy Director of Health Information Privacy Timothy Noonan.
March 17, 2025
Significant Changes at CMS Innovation Center
ICD10monitor | The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center is overhauling its model portfolio to save taxpayers nearly $750 million by ending underperforming programs and adjusting others. Key terminations include the Maryland Total Cost of Care, Primary Care First, End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Choices, and Making Care Primary models. CMS stated that they are shifting their strategy to emphasize preventive care, patient empowerment, and competition within the healthcare system.
Need a roadmap to maintain compliance?
Regulatory Links
HIPAA – HHS Offices for Civil Rights (OCR) and the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)
Individuals’ Right under HIPAA to Access their Health Information 45 CFR 164.524
Patient Access to Health Records
Information Related to Mental and Behavioral Health, including Opioid Overdose
Frequently asked HIPAA questions
Elizabeth McElhiney, MHA, CHPS, CPHIMS,
CDH-L, CRIS, CC
Elizabeth collaborates with clients to implement evidence-based best practices and oversees Verisma’s thought leadership initiatives. She has worked in health information (HI) and release of information (ROI) for 15+ years, covering all areas of the industry from customer service to compliance. Elizabeth is also the regulatory chair at the Association of Health Information Outsourcing Services (AHIOS). She earned a masters of health administration (MHA) with a specialization in health informatics from Capella University, and a bachelor of arts (BA) in political science from Illinois Wesleyan University.