News that President Barack Obama has nominated Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Director Leon Rodriguez to direct U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has spiked the heart rates of some in the healthcare industry. The Privacy Advisor reports on this shift, which would leave the OCR director post vacant for the foreseeable future—and at an historic juncture. While HIPAA passed in 1996, its rules were enforced more like suggestions than federal mandates during the early years. But when Rodriguez took his post as OCR director in 2011, armed with powers granted under HITECH, the tone shifted, healthcare insiders seem to agree. As his departure looms, who will take his place and how will HIPAA enforcement change?
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