Introduction to HIPAA

Important HIPAA FAQs:

1. What are the HIPAA preexisting condition rules? How were they affected by health care reform?
2. What does the HIPAA Privacy Rule do?
3. What is the difference between “consent” and “authorization” under the HIPAA Privacy Rule?
4. Generally, what does the HIPAA Privacy Rule require the average provider or health plan to do?
5. Who must comply with HIPAA privacy standards?
6. When does the Privacy Rule allow covered entities to disclose protected health information to law enforcement officials?
7. Does the HIPAA Privacy Rule allow parents the right to see their children’s medical records?
8. If patients request copies of their medical records as permitted by the Privacy Rule, are they required to pay for the copies?
9. May a covered entity use or disclose a patient’s entire medical record based on the patient’s signed Authorization?
10. Why is the HIPAA Privacy Rule needed?
11. Does the HIPAA Privacy Rule permit a doctor to discuss a patient’s health status, treatment, or payment arrangements with the patient’s family and friends?

HIPAA Overview

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, known as HIPAA (not HIPPA), includes important protections for millions of working Americans and their families. HIPAA is a federal law, but many states have their own variations of the law, which may impose other (stricter) requirements. Please see the State HIPAA links, below, for additional information for your state.