Byron Dorgan: “today the Senate has passed H.R. 3323, a bill that waives the penalties for state health programs, health care…”

“today the Senate has passed H.R. 3323, a bill that waives the penalties for state health programs, health care providers, and health plans that are unable to comply with the transactions and code sets regulation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act by October 16, 2002. This bill is different from the bill passed by the Senate on November 27, and frankly, I would prefer that we simply provide the one-year extension to those entities that need it, as provided for in the Senate bill. However, the time remaining in this session of Congress is short, and the House bill will offer a measure of help to those in our states. The House bill would require that, in order to receive a waiver, those entities needing more time to comply with the transactions and code sets regulation would have to submit a plan to the Secretary of Health and Human Services explaining how they plan to come into compliance by October 16, 2003. When Senator Craig and I first introduced legislation on this issue more than six months ago, we are attempting to help alleviate a burden on covered entities. It is not our intention in passing this bill to place a significant new burden on health care providers, states, and health plans.”