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New Federal Regulations to Affect Veterinarians
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| Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States and around the world. New regulations taking effect on May 1st of this year known as “red flag rules” will be affecting many veterinarians according to government officials. The original implementation date was January 1, 2009 but has been postponed to the first of May. |
According to current information available from the American Veterinary Medical Association, it appears likely that many veterinary practices will be considered “creditors” under the rule, meaning they will need to comply. |
The Federal Trade Commission has posted an article on its Web site (www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/articles/art11.shtm) titled “The Red Flags Rule: What Health Care Providers Need to Know About Complying with New Requirements for Fighting Identity Theft.” |
The FTC has announced plans to release more detailed compliance guidance in advance of the May 1 enforcement deadline. In the meantime, the AVMA Council on Veterinary Service is considering how to best provide guidance to affected veterinarians including such things as webinars, online education and sample manuals. The Council will meet in February and will have this item on its agenda. |
You are encouraged to check the FTC web site often for any updates and helpful guidelines on complying with these forthcoming new regulations. |
More information will be included in future editions of ALVMA E-News.
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