HIPAA's Privacy Rule

Due to medical information privacy concerns, the Federal government created the HIPAA Privacy Rule. It is a complicated, wide-ranging and significant regulation that should have a dynamic impact on how the U.S. healthcare industry handles information. To learn more about the HIPAA Privacy Rule, please read the following questions and answers.

The information below does not constitute legal or tax advice. You should consult with your own legal and tax advisors to assure compliance with applicable law.

What is HIPAA?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act enacted in 1996 by Congress and administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

What is the HIPAA Privacy Rule?

The HIPAA Privacy Rule generally restricts the use or disclosure of individual health information by employers, carriers and Third-Party Administrators.

Who is involved?

Covered Entities are any of the following:

A Health Plan
A Health Provider
A Health Care Clearinghouse

Business Associates are entities that do benefits work for the Covered Entity. A Business Associate is not itself required to meet any privacy standards, but the Covered Entity is required to ensure its Business Associates protect its health information.

Plan Sponsor is generally the employer.

What information is covered?

When a Covered Entity or Business Associate uses or discloses health information that identifies an individual, it becomes Protected Health Information (PHI). Using PHI can be as simple as viewing it, and disclosing it can occur in writing, orally, electronically, etc.

Where can I get more information?

Go to www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa.

Where can I get help?

HIPAA Answers is a company devoted to the task of Plan Sponsors comply with HIPAA Privacy with as little cost and time possible. Go to www.hipaanswers.com.

 

Please contact Connie Kennedy if you would like a demonstration of HIPAA answers - 1-(866) 326-6785.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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