Experts who monitor cyber crime expect big impact on health care.

According to a piece on Politico, security experts believe that a huge health care data breach is coming. Health care is not prepared for an attack, as illustrated by the lack of response from the industry and the government to put protection policies in place. With the widespread adoption of electronic records, the industry’s lack of experience with cybersecurity makes it more vulnerable to intrusion than retail or financial services.

“Frankly, health care organizations are struggling to keep up with this,” said information security expert Ernie Hood, of the The Advisory Board Company.

The AMA and MGMA have requested that CMS extend the July 1 deadline for hardship exemptions.

The American Medical Association and Medical Group Management Association sent a letter last Friday to CMS Administrator, Marilyn Tavenner. The letter requested that CMS extend the July 1 deadline for physicians and other eligible professionals participating in the federal electronic health record incentive program to file for hardship exemptions. Specifically, they requested that the extension be made for a minimum of 30 days, following publication of the final rule. 

“With the expected delay in finalization of the rule, many EPs are unclear as to the (meaningful-use) requirements for 2014 and whether they need to apply for a hardship now before the rule is finalized,” the two associations said. 

OCR has appointed a new HIPAA enforcer chief.

Jocelyn Samuels will be replacing current director, Leon Rodriguez. Samuels will come to OCR from the Department of Justice, where she held the role of acting assistant attorney general in the civil rights division. Samuels will oversee HIPAA compliance and the official audit program slated to kick off this year.