"Although HIPAA standards and operating rules can reduce administrative burden, the health care industry has experienced difficulty transitioning to them by the regulatory compliance dates. Many in the industry attribute at least some implementation difficulties to the lack of a consistent testing process or framework before implementation of new standards and operating rules. This proposed rule is intended to serve as an initial step toward the development of a consistent testing process that will enable entities to better achieve and demonstrate compliance with HIPAA standards and operating rules. This rule proposes that controlling health plans (CHPs) must submit certain information and documentation that demonstrates compliance with the adopted standards and operating rules for three electronic transactions: eligibility for a health plan, health care claim status, and health care electronic funds transfers (EFT) and remittance advice. Such documentation would be an indication that a CHP has completed some internal and external testing."  MORE >>