Attorneys’ Advice to Covered Entities: Comply With HIPAA Complaint Investigations

As the federal government steps up enforcement of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and launches audits of compliance with HIPAA rules, health care attorneys advised Sept. 8 that covered entities and business associates fully cooperate with federal investigations of HIPAA violation complaints.

Health care attorneys with Epstein Becker and Green P.C. in Washington said during a firm-sponsored webinar on HIPAA enforcement that penalties for failing to cooperate with a HIPAA investigation could be higher than the penalties for an actual HIPAA violation.

One recent case—involving insurer Cignet Health—was evidence that HHS’s Office for Civil Rights will impose such ...