Health Information Portability and Accountability Act
HIPAA is the acronym for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act that came into existence at the end 2000. Have you ever wondered what does HIPAA stand for and why should you care? Well I have!
What Does The HIPAA Privacy Rule Cover?
The HIPAA Privacy Rule establishes national standards to protect individuals’ medical records and other personal health information. As patients, we must sign a HIPAA authorization form every time we go into a doctor’s office. As patients all of us are asked to provide our personal health information to a doctor, hospital, or health care provider. The rule requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of personal health information, and sets limits and conditions on the uses and disclosures that may be made of such information without patient authorization. The rule also gives patients’ rights over their health information, including rights to examine and obtain a copy of their health records, and to request corrections.
Because of the limits and regulations under HIPAA, the healthcare industry is restricted in the information they will share regarding an individual’s health information.
When Will I Need A HIPAA Authorization Form?
When dealing with incapacity and end-of-life situations, a HIPAA authorization may be required. So, it is common when preparing an estate plan to have the client sign a number of these authorization forms for the individuals appointed to act as Power of Attorney either under a Durable Power of Attorney and / or an Advance Directive / Living Will. It makes sense for your attorney in fact to be able to have access to your medical records to exercise the powers granted under your prior directives. Access to the HIPAA authorization can, if the need arises, allow critical information sharing without delay or complication.
After a car accident, I was required to provide a HIPAA authorization for my attorney to request my healthcare information. The HIPAA authorization allowed the health care providers to release my otherwise confidential medical information to my attorney.
I share caregiving responsibility with my brother for our mother. Having a HIPAA authorization form for my aging mother allows my brother and I the ability to discuss Mom’s medical information with her healthcare providers. Having access to the medical providers allows us all to have peace of mind regarding our decisions when it comes to her well-being.
For more information on Health Information Portability & Accountability Act, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (918) 565-0070 today.