Two days ago, on July 21, President Obama signed into law H.R. 4173, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Act”). All types of financial institutions will be subject to significant new conditions and limitations under the statute; nonfinancial, publicly traded companies will be faced with new obligations as well. As is […]
Financial Reform Legislation: Comparison of the Senate and House Bills
Last week, the Senate passed a financial reform bill, S. 3217, that is similar but not identical to the House of Representatives bill, H.R. 4173, from last December. The two measures are now headed to conference. The Senate appointed its 12 conferees this past Monday, and the House is expected to make its appointments by […]
The Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Records: New Incentives for Eligible Professionals and Hospitals
This advisory discusses a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Proposed Rule (the “Proposed Rule”) that sets forth the requirements for eligible professionals (EPs) and eligible hospitals to be considered meaningful users of electronic health records (EHRs) and, thereby, qualify for EHR incentive payments. The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) […]
PHR Vendors and Related Entities Face the FTC’s New Health Breach Notification Rule
This advisory discusses an FTC-issued Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (the “Proposed Rule” or the “Health Breach Notification Rule”) requiring vendors of personal health records (PHR) and related entities to notify individuals when the security of their individually identifiable health information is breached. The Proposed Rule establishes a new Part 318 of Title 16 of the […]
Outlook for the 111TH Congress & President-Elect Barack Obama
In light of the significant changes taking place with the new Obama Administration and the new Congress, this advisory outlines some of the key legislative issues the Alston & Bird Legislative and Public Policy Group expects to be considered over the next two years. The advisory is provided in PDF on the Alston & Bird […]