Under HITECH revisions, which violations saw increased penalties?

The correct response indicates that under the HITECH Act, penalties for HIPAA violations were significantly increased. The HITECH Act, enacted in 2009, was designed to enhance the privacy and security protections established under HIPAA, especially in the context of electronic health information. It introduced tiered civil monetary penalties that vary based on the nature and significance of the violation, as well as the culpability of the entity.

This legislative change reflects a commitment to ensuring that personal health information is better protected, particularly as technology and electronic health records have evolved. The intent was to encourage covered entities and business associates to comply fully with HIPAA requirements and to enforce stricter consequences for non-compliance.

On the other hand, Medicare regulations and Medicaid rules, while also subject to compliance efforts, did not experience the same substantial increase in penalties under HITECH as HIPAA violations did. Similarly, safety regulations do not align with the focus of the HITECH Act, which centers specifically on health information privacy and security. Thus, the increased penalties are distinctly tied to HIPAA violations.