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action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/clevelandbenefit/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114In a recent decision, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a key provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that mandates private insurance cover preventive services<\/a> without cost to patients. However, the court also ruled that the plaintiffs are exempt from complying with this mandate, setting the stage for potential future challenges. The appellate panel emphasized that the task force responsible for determining which preventive services should be covered must receive congressional confirmation, raising questions about the authority of groups making recommendations on contraception and vaccines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The case stemmed from a lawsuit by Texas-based Christian companies Braidwood Management and Kelley Orthodontics, arguing that the ACA’s requirement to cover preventive care such as contraception, HPV vaccines, and HIV prevention drugs violated their religious beliefs. Initially, a district court sided with the employers, prompting an appeal by the Biden administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the 5th Circuit overturned the lower court’s nationwide nullification of the preventive services mandate, it acknowledged concerns over the constitutional authority of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to issue binding recommendations. The court’s decision requires USPSTF members to undergo presidential nomination and Senate confirmation moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ruling’s implications are significant for the approximately 164 million Americans receiving employer-based health insurance, as it preserves access to vital preventive care services. Despite this immediate relief, advocacy groups caution that the decision could pave the way for future legal challenges that may threaten broader access to these essential health benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Employers must ensure that their health plans continue to comply with the ACA’s preventive care mandate, which requires coverage of certain preventive services without cost-sharing for employees. This includes staying updated on the latest guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force<\/a> (USPSTF) and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that all mandated services are covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Biden administration\u2019s new rule aimed at safeguarding the privacy of protected health information related to lawful reproductive health care went into effect in June. Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy<\/a>, healthcare providers are now barred from disclosing sensitive information such as contraception use, pregnancy-related care, and infertility treatments to law enforcement without patient consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Effective June 25, with compliance required by December 23, 2024, the rule addresses concerns that arose following the overturning of Roe v. Wade<\/em> in June 2022. This decision prompted concern that patients seeking lawful reproductive health services across state lines could face unwarranted scrutiny, compromising their privacy and potentially exposing them to legal repercussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rule mandates that HIPAA-covered entities must now obtain a signed attestation that the request is not for prohibited purposes before disclosing protected health information (PHI) for specific purposes like health oversight, judicial proceedings, and law enforcement inquiries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the coming months, the Office for Civil Rights plans to release a standardized attestation form to facilitate compliance with the new regulations. This measure aims to ensure that individuals can confidently access reproductive health care without fear of their private medical information being misused or exploited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses regulated under the Final Rule must update their Notice of Privacy Practices (NPPs) to align with the requirements for safeguarding reproductive healthcare privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Employers should update HIPAA policies and procedures to ensure they specify when an attestation is required to disclose PHI and train employees on the new rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEMPLOYER CONSIDERATIONS<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
HIPAA PRIVACY RULE TO SUPPORT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE PRIVACY<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
EMPLOYER CONSIDERATIONS<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
ENFORCEMENT OF PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT BEGINS<\/h5>\n\n\n\n