Are covered entities permitted to give individuals a “layered” notice?
Yes. Covered entities may use a “layered” notice to implement the HIPAA Privacy Rules requirements, so long as the elements required by 45 CFR 164.520(b) are included in the document that is provided to the individual. For example, a covered entity may satisfy the notice requirements by providing the individual with both a short notice that briefly summarizes the individuals rights, as well as other information; and a longer notice, layered beneath the short notice, that contains all of the elements required by the Privacy Rule. Providing the notice in this fashion is a helpful tool to assure that more individuals will realize that important information is contained in the notice. In addition to ensuring the notice is in plain language (as required by the Privacy Rule), covered entities are encouraged to develop notices that maximize readability and clarity.
Related Questions
- Are covered entities required to provide individuals upon request with an accounting of any protected health information that the entity has disclosed about them to the Mississippi Cancer Registry?
- May covered entities use information regarding specific clinical conditions of individuals in order to communicate about products or services for such conditions without a prior authorization?
- Are covered entities permitted to give individuals a "layered" notice?
