ICYMI: CMS is moving to end the use of faxing and mailing for health care claims attachments. The agency’s goal is to reduce waste and let providers spend less time on administrative hassle and more time caring for patients.

• The final rule is effective on May 26, 2026. Covered entities must comply by May 26, 2028.

Who’s affected by the rule: By definition, “covered entities” include:

1. a health plan;
2. a health care clearinghouse; and
3. a health care provider who transmits any health information in electronic form in connection with a HIPAA transaction.

What’s new in the rule:

• Dual standards approach: Adopts both X12 standards (for administrative transactions) and Health Level 7 (HL7) standards (for clinical data) to create seamless, automated workflows.
• Secure electronic signatures: Implements verified electronic signature requirements for safe, efficient exchanges.
• Standardized clinical coding: Includes LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes) for consistent identification of clinical results.

For more details, review the following:

• Full text of the final rule
• Full press release
• Fact sheet