I have heard about a HIPAA privacy rule. What is it all about?
In general, the HIPAA privacy rule gives individuals the right to request a restriction on uses and disclosures of their protected health information (PHI). The individual is also provided the right to request confidential communications or that a communication of PHI be made by alternative means, such as sending correspondence to the individual’s office instead of the individual’s home. The Privacy Rule generally requires health care providers to take reasonable steps to limit the use or disclosure of, and requests for PHI to the minimum necessary to accomplish the intended purpose. These provisions do not apply to uses or disclosures make pursuant to an authorization requested by the individual. However, in an emergency, uses and disclosures for treatment, payment information, or healthcare operations (TPO) may be permitted without prior consent.
