HIPAA Round-Up: 2022 Ends With a Flurry of HIPAA Policy Activity

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers track policy changes that may affect privacy practices, vendor relationships, patient communications, and compliance planning. It also highlights how federal enforcement and proposed regulatory alignment can influence operational decisions for covered entities, business associates, and related organizations.

Article Sections

1. Keep Tracking App Usage Aligned With the HIPAA Rules

   Discusses federal guidance on online tracking technologies, mobile applications, and related privacy considerations for HIPAA-regulated entities. It also addresses how these tools intersect with healthcare websites and digital patient interactions.

2. Feds Want to Improve Care Coordination for SUD Treatment

   Summarizes a proposed rule addressing confidentiality and information-sharing for substance use disorder treatment records. The section covers the proposal’s relationship to broader federal privacy and care-coordination goals.

3. Feds Bring Charges for HIPAA-Related Criminal Action

   Reviews a criminal enforcement case involving alleged HIPAA-related conduct and describes the broader significance of federal prosecution under HIPAA. It also notes additional enforcement themes raised by the proposed rule.