Standard Unique Employer Identifier The Department of Health and Human Services issued the final Rule, entitled Standard Unique Employer Identifier, establishing a standard for a unique employer identifier.  The final Rule was published May 31, 2002 and can be accessed through www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a020531c.html.  This is one of the identifiers required by HIPAA.  This Rule is effective July 30, 2002, and most covered entities must comply no later than July 30, 2004. Standard Unique Health Care Provider Identifier The Department of Health and Human Services issued the final Rule, entitled Standard Unique Health Identifier for Health Care Providers, establishing a standard for National Provider Identifiers (NPI).  The final Rule was published January 23, 2004 and is available at www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a040123c.html.  This Rule is effective May 23, 2005, and covered health care providers may apply for NPIs beginning on this date. For additional information regarding the identifiers under the HIPAA Administrative Simplification requirements, see http://aspe.hhs.gov/admnsimp/bannerid.htm.