What kind of information is protected by HIPAA?
“Protected health information” is defined by the Privacy Rules as “individually identifiable health information” that is transmitted electronically, maintained electronically, or transmitted or maintained in any other form or medium. It includes not only paper and electronic records but oral statements as well. The Security Rule governs “electronic protected health information,” and requires covered entities to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all protected health information that is created, received, maintained or transmitted by the covered entity in electronic form. What rights do individuals have under HIPAA? In general, the HIPAA Privacy Rule gives individuals the right to request a restriction on uses and disclosures of their protected health information. The individual is also provided the right to request confidential communications or that a communication of protected health information be made by alternative means, such as sending correspondence to t
