Senator Coleman Introduces Bill Requiring ICD-10 Adoption

Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) has introduced S. 628, the "Critical Access to Health Information Technology Act of 2007," which establishes a HIT grant program for rural areas and requires the replacement of ICD-9 with ICD-10. The ICD-10 language calls for a final rule to be promulgated by October 1, 2008, with full implementation by October 1, 2011. The bill also requires updating the HIPAA transaction standard v. 4010 to v. 5010 by April 1, 2009, with compliance with the standard by April 1, 2011. The bill also calls for a publication of a "Notice of Intent" to be published by the secretary of  HHS within 30 days of the enactment of S.628. The notice outlines the applicable dates for conversion to v. 5010 and ICD-10 and informs HIPAA covered entities and health technology vendors to begin planning for implementation.