Under HIPAA, can I share personal health information with a student or do I need to get authorization from the patient or family?
HIPAA regulations were designed so as not to impede the provision of normal health care operations. “Health care operations”, as defined in regulation, includes “conducting training programs in which students, trainees, or practitioners in areas of health care learn under supervision to practice or improve their skills as health care providers.” (retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/hipaafaq/limited/209.html on June 18, 2007). Student clinicians will need to learn about HIPAA regulations and should be introduced to the facility’s HIPAA policies and procedures. Facilities may require that student clinicians receive HIPAA training as part of their orientation. Student clinicians are expected to abide by the privacy rule regulations just as any employee in the facility.
Related Questions
- If student chooses shared room, does he/she share room with another student or member of the family? Is the shared room option only available for students traveling together?
- Does HIPAA allow you to speak with family members or leave messages on an answering machine about patient appointments or health concerns?
- Does the HIPAA Privacy Rule limit an individuals ability to gather and share family medical history information?
