Consequences for HIPAA violations can often be quite harsh. If someone has breached the HIPAA privacy regulations – even without any malicious intent, civil penalties are applicable: $100 per violation for unawareness, a minimum of $1,000 for reasonable cause, a minimum of $10,000 if willful neglect is present and then rectified, and finally, a minimum of $50,000 for individuals who act with willful neglect and ignore the issue.
| Digital ExclusiveCongressman Hinchey to Address AOM Alliance Banquet Attendees
Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) is scheduled to receive an award and deliver the main address at the AOM Alliance Annual Conference and Exposition Banquet on Saturday, May 7 in Newport, Rhode Island. Congressman Hinchey is the principal author of the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2005, a bill introduced into Congress to include acupuncture in the list of medical procedures for which reimbursement can be claimed under federal programs.
AOM Alliance Executive Director Michael McCoy, PhD, expressed delight at the upcoming event. "Congressman Hinchey is our legislative hero," Dr. McCoy said. "He has been a leader on this issue for years, and we are proud to offer our support for his far-sighted efforts."
The AOM Alliance was the first national organization to endorse Hinchey's legislation and has mounted a grassroots campaign to encourage its members and friends to urge their elected representatives to join the list of co-sponsors.
The AOM Alliance Annual Conference and Exposition is scheduled for May 5-10, 2005 at the Hyatt Regency on Goat Island in Newport, Rhode Island. Other highlights of the event include nearly 40 lectures and workshops, an exposition of products and services (May 6-8), and a special Wellness Fair on Sunday, May 8, when the conference will be thrown open to the general public for displays, book signings, and special demonstrations about acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
For more information, contact:
AOM Alliance
6405 43rd Avenue Ct NW
Suite B
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Interested parties can also call the Alliance at (253) 851-6896, send an e-mail to info@aomalliance.org, or visit www.aomalliance.org.