Following the conclusion of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) pilot audit program in 2012, speculation began about the timing of the permanent program of periodic HIPAA audits. Originally, the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) scheduled the permanent audit program for 2014. However, personnel and budget limitations delayed the launch, and the year came and went without implementation of the program.

With 2015 nearing its close, advisors in the health data industry may have felt like they were crying wolf while encouraging clients to take this time to review and improve HIPAA compliance efforts given the impending audits. Finally, however, in late September 2015, the OCR announced that the permanent audit program will launch in early 2016. Reports indicate that the OCR has already sent out inquiries to covered entities confirming contact information for possible follow-up.
Continue Reading No More Crying Wolf—HIPAA Audits Coming in 2016