Employers who offer health benefits to their employees must ensure compliance with various regulations (including revised final 2007 discrimination rules) under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These compliance obligations include implementing policies, procedures, and notices as required under HIPAA privacy rules, recent security rules, and revised final discrimination rules that took effect February 12th, 2007. Failure to comply with HIPAA regulations can lead to penalties of $100 per violation per day up to a maximum of $25,000 in a calendar year.

HIPAA Discrimination Rules prohibit discrimination against individuals or beneficiaries based upon a health factor in group health coverage, plan eligibility, and rewards for wellness programs. Final revised discrimination rules took effect 2/12/07. (The applicability date is the first day
of the first plan year after 7/1/07).

Personnel Concepts' HIPAA Discrimination Notice Poster informs employees of their rights and responsibilities regarding health plans and HIPPA privacy and portability issues.