Ryan S. Higgins
Subscribe to Ryan S. Higgins's PostsRyan S. Higgins focuses his practice on representing hospitals, health systems, private equity firms and platform companies, and other health care organizations in corporate and transactional matters, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and management arrangements. He also devotes a significant portion of his practice to representing health care organizations in matters involving health information privacy and security and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance. Ryan serves on the Chicago's office Pro Bono Committee and is heavily involved in pro bono matters. Read Ryan Higgins' full bio.
Federal Court Invalidates Key Part of HHS OCR Bulletin Regarding Application of HIPAA to Online Tracking Technologies
By Ryan S. Higgins, David Quinn Gacioch, Jennifer S. Geetter, Daniel F. Gottlieb and Edward G. Zacharias on Aug 27, 2024
Posted In Digital Health, Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans
In a consequential decision for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-regulated entities, on June 20, 2024, the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas ruled that the US Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights exceeded its authority in certain respects in sub-regulatory guidance. The guidance concerned HIPAA’s application...
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OCR Update on Tracking Technologies Provides Little Relief for HIPAA-Regulated Entities
By Jennifer S. Geetter, David Quinn Gacioch, Elliot R. Golding, Daniel F. Gottlieb, Ryan S. Higgins and Edward G. Zacharias on May 14, 2024
Posted In Digital Health, Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans, Privacy and Data Security
On March 18, 2024, the US Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued an update to its December 1, 2022, bulletin titled “Use of Online Tracking Technologies by HIPAA Covered Entities and Business Associates.” In releasing the 2024 update, OCR stated that its purpose was to “increase clarity for regulated...
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A Practical Guide to Conducting a HIPAA Security Risk Analysis
By Ryan S. Higgins on Aug 23, 2022
Posted In Benefit Controversies, Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans
How do organizations go about conducting a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) security risk analysis (HRSA)? In this Health Law Weekly article, McDermott Partner Ryan S. Higgins provides a step-by-step guide to conducting an HRSA and offers practical guidance to address the key issues effectively. Read more here.
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OCR Launches Phase 2 HIPAA Audit Program with Pre-Audit Screening Surveys
By Edward G. Zacharias, Daniel F. Gottlieb and Ryan S. Higgins on May 26, 2015
Posted In Health and Welfare Plans, Privacy and Data Security
HIPAA covered entities have reported that the HHS Office for Civil Rights recently sent pre-audit screening surveys to a pool of covered entities that may be selected for the previously delayed second phase of HIPAA compliance audits. This On the Subject describes the phase two audit program and identifies steps that covered entities and business...
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