What is the HIPAA Privacy Rule?
The HIPAA Privacy Rule, part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), is a federal regulation in the US that safeguards individuals' health information privacy. Here are the key points:
What it Protects:
- Protected Health Information (PHI): This includes any individually identifiable information about a person's health or healthcare services, like medical records, billing information, and test results. The rule applies to PHI in electronic format (ePHI) and some paper records.
Who it Applies To:
- Covered Entities: These are healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses electronically transmitting health information.
What it Does:
- Limits Use and Disclosure: The rule restricts how covered entities can use and disclose PHI without a patient's written authorization. Exceptions exist for treatment, payment operations, and public health activities.
- Patient Rights: Individuals can access, review, and amend their medical records. They can also request copies of their PHI and control how it's used for marketing.
- Security Standards: While the HIPAA Privacy Rule focuses on information use and access, it works in conjunction with the HIPAA Security Rule, which mandates specific technical safeguards to protect ePHI.
Overall Goal:
- Balance: The rule aims to balance protecting patient privacy and allowing the flow of health information needed for quality care, healthcare operations, and public health initiatives.
See Also: HIPAA Framework for Compliance
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