If you are wondering why I haven't blogged over the last few months, the answer is simply...I have been swamped traveling on business, writing manuals, onsite employee training & development, and then moving half way across the country between September and November. Whoa, what a year! I must say I am looking forward to ringing in the New Year...or am I?

Compliance, Mandated Facility Accreditation, Facility Accreditation Exemptions, Facility Accreditation Non Exemptions, Emergency Evacuation Plans and now...the "Red Flag Regulations" Identity Theft Compliance Program. What in the world could be next?

Initially, healthcare providers were not aware that they had to comply with the New Red Flag Regulations compliance program, simply because healthcare providers are not bankers, credit unions, nor other entities that extent credit…WRONG!

Recently, it was announced and made clear that Healthcare providers actually DO fall under the category of the "Red Flag Regulations" compliance, since healthcare providers are typically extending credit on patient accounts, especially when you are billing the patient, insurance company, etc. for reimbursement.

What does that mean for healthcare providers/suppliers? If you don't have one, you must put together a Patient Identity Theft Compliance Program and adopt or write your policies and procedures for how your business will protect patient's identity. This is more than the HIPAA regulations, so don't be fooled! There is much more...Ugh!

The original November 1, 2008 deadline for compliance has been changed to May 1, 2009.

Here are a few links that you can copy and paste in your browser to read more.

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2007/10/redflag.shtm

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/12/20031204-3.html

What do you suppose is next???