HHS Seeks To Extend HIPAA Rules To Business Associates, Subcontractors

HHS is proposing to expand the scope of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act by requiring business associates and subcontractors that have in the past not been subject to the law to follow most of the rules that apply to covered entities. The move conforms to provisions of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), which was folded into last year's stimulus package.