During depression the world disappears. Language itself. One has nothing to say. Nothing. Kristin experienced this misery, yet still managed to touch many lives and even in death continues to help others find help for their depression.
The Kristin Brooks Hope Center was created to help those in crisis find help and hope immediately. The site and her story gives you a raw, personal glimpse into depression, and how it affects those around you. In addition, you will find the only clear, step-by-step path for you to follow out of the darkness. There is hope and you can feel happy again! If you need to speak with someone right now call: 1.800.SUICIDE (1.800.784.2433)

Legislation News

HHS Releases Interim Final Rule on Breach Notification for Unsecured Protected Health Information; Applies to HIPAA-Covered Entities

Kristin Brooks Hope Center to Hold 6th Annual Hill Day on Oct 20th, 2009; Book Your Hotel Room Today!


HHS Releases Interim Final Rule on Breach Notification for Unsecured Protected Health Information; Applies to HIPAA-Covered Entities

On August 24, the Office of Civil Rights within the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an Interim Final Rule for Breach Notification for Unsecured Protected Health Information as required by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. From the Kristin Brooks Hope Center's initial analysis, the Interim Final Rule requires that in situations in which there is a breach of less than 500 individuals' protected information, the covered entity must:
  • notify individuals when their health information is breached and an assessment identifies that there is a risk of harm due to the breach of information;
  • provide an annual report to HHS of any such breaches.

In situations in which there is a breach of more than 500 individuals' protected information:

  • notify individuals when their health information is breached and an assessment identifies that there is a risk of harm due to the breach of information;
  • notify the media and HHS of such a breach;
  • The Secretary of HHS is required to publish a list online of covered entities that experience breaches of unsecured protected information of more than 500 individuals.

The effective date for this Interim Final Rule is September 23, 2009.

A “covered entity” is defined as a health plan, health care clearinghouse, or health care provider that transmits any health information electronically in connection with a covered transaction, such as submitting health care claims to a health plan.

Comments on this Interim Final Rule are due on October 23, 2009. The Kristin Brooks Hope Center is currently in the process of analyzing the Interim Final Rule and developing our comments; please stay tuned to the Public Policy Update to see the final version.

Kristin Brooks Hope Center to Hold 6th Annual Hill Day on Oct. 20th, 2009; Book Your Hotel Room Today!

Make your voice heard on Capitol Hill! Join us for the Kristin Brooks Hope Center's 6th Annual Hill Day on Oct. 20th, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency. The Hyatt is located right on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. You can book your hotel room at a rate of $239/night by calling the hotel: 202-737-1234 and mention the Kristin Brooks Hope Center room block. Stay tuned to the Public Policy Update and the Hill Day 2009 page of our website for further updates about Hill Day, including a schedule of events, speakers, and much more!

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