Privacy & Information Security Law Blog

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (the “HITECH Act”), which was signed into law in February 2009 as part of the economic stimulus package, substantially impacts requirements imposed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”). The HITECH Act creates several new and potentially burdensome obligations that affect the relationship between covered entities and business associates. Because these changes are quite substantial and necessitate revisions to existing business associate agreements (“BAAs”), covered entities and business associates should begin compliance efforts as soon as possible. Read more on actions to take to comply with the requirements of the HITECH Act.