UPDATE August 2013: For updated information on this topic, click here.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on Friday, May 28, 2010, that it is delaying the enforcement of the federal Red Flags Rule, once again, through December 31, 2010. This marks the fifth extension of the enforcement deadline since the enactment of the Rule on January 1, 2008. According to the FTC, the enforcement delay comes at the request of several Members of Congress who seek more time to consider legislation that would affect the scope of entities covered by the Rule. For more information about the Rule and what government entities and activities it covers, see Jill Moore’s and my previous posts on this topic–Dogs and Red Flags: Updates from the Public Health World; Local Governments, Public Authorities, and the Red Flags Rule: Does it Apply?; and Local Health Departments and “Appropriate” Responses to Identity Theft Red Flags.