In accordance with a request from Congress, the FTC has delayed enforcement of the Red Flags Rule until December 31, 2010. This enforcement extension is necessary in order for lawmakers to finalize the scope of those impacted by the Rule. Should legislation determining the scope of affected entities be passed before the new deadline, the Rules will go into immediate effect.

The House of Representatives recently passed both H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and H.R. 4872, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. The former, approved by the Senate in December, addresses a number of healthcare-related issues including employer responsibilities, private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, prescription dugs, subsidies, etc. Having passed both the House and the Senate, the Affordable Care Act will now go to President Obama for his approval.

In an effort to bring information to a broader audience, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is now employing social media sites Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

To join the CMS LinkedIn group, go to: www.LinkedIn.com/in/CMSGov.

View a handful of informational videos by logging onto the CMS YouTube Channel at: www.YouTube.com/CMSHHSGov.

And for those looking for concise updates regarding CMS, can check out two Twitter accounts:

“Experience Texas” at the MediRegs Customer Appreciation Event!

The Federal Trade Commission has extended enforcement of the Red Flags Rule until June 1, 2010. Enforcement of the rule has been delayed previously as the FTC sought to adequately educate affected corporations and institutions. The Red Flags Rule impacts financial institutions and creditors subject to FTC jurisdiction. According to the Rule, created under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, covered entities must develop and implement written policies that aid in identity theft prevention.

In an effort to extend their Red Flags education campaign, the FTC has announced that enforcement on the Red Flags Rule will be delayed until November 1, 2009. This education campaign seeks to educate businesses on whether they are covered by the Rule, and if so, which steps to take in order to be compliant. Small businesses, in particular, had fumbled to grasp whether their risk-based programs were harmonious with the Red Flags Rule.

On January 1, 2008, the newly-released Red Flags Rule stipulated that certain businesses are required to "spot and heed" the red flags for identity theft. Health care providers, in particular, should be vigilant in monitoring any suspicious activity that may indicate identity thieves have accessed stolen information including social security numbers, birth dates, account numbers, etc. in order to acquire accounts or services. Compliance to the Red Flags rule will be enforced starting on May 1, 2009. Is your organization covered?