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 ExclusiveFederal Acupuncture Coverage Act Gains Two More Co-Sponsors
Two more members of Congress have joined as co-sponsors of HR 818, the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2005, bringing the total number of co-sponsors to 38. The newest co-sponsors are:
- Rep. Donna M. Christensen (D-Virgin Islands)
- Rep. Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA, 39 th district)
Ms. Sanchez is the 10 th representative from California to co-sponsor HR 818, and the eighth member of the House Government Reform Committee to co-sponsor the legislation. The House Government Reform Committee is one of three committees currently investigating the merits of the bill. All told, representatives from 17 states and two U.S. territories have signed on as co-sponsors of HR 818.
For more information on the status of the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act, visit http://thomas.loc.gov, and enter "HR 818" in the "Search Bill Text" box.