There is currently a bill pending in the US Senate which, if passed, could make positive changes to the new RED FLAGS RULE.

This bill would exempt Healthcare Organizations with 20 or fewer employees from the requirements of the Red Flags Rule.

In its’ current form, the Red Flags Rule imposes certain requirements on businesses, including healthcare providers or organizations and other professionals. These businesses are required to develop and implement written identity theft prevention and detection programs to protect consumers (patients) from identity theft that could occur as a result of providers collecting and possessing certain information about their customers (patients). After two extensions, the Red Flags Rule current implementation date is now November 1, 2009.

This week the US House of Representatives passed HR 3763 which would exclude certain businesses from the requirements of the Red Flags Rule. If this bill becomes law, Healthcare Organizations with 20 or fewer employees would not be considered creditors under the act and thus would be exempt from the Red Flags Rule. The bill is now in the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

This is very exciting news for doctors as it would eliminate another large requirement on their practices.

If you would like additional information about this matter or other Healthcare Practice issues in Colorado you can go to my website www.Bluesteinlaw.com or contact me directly at Contact Philip M. Bluestein.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.