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#Understanding The HIPPA Law

HIPAA is an acronym for The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and was first enforced in 1996. This Act was created to provide protection for personal health information. This Act is balanced so that it provides needed information to health care providers for patient care, but also provides patients certain rights to that personal information.

Enforcement for most HIPAA covered entities was enforced beginning on April 14, 2003 while smaller health insurers were given one additional year. Enforcement activities include complaint investigation, compliance reviews, and continued education. The enforcement activities resulted in an improvement of privacy protection for the health care information of individuals.

The Privacy Rule is a federal law which allows you certain rights over your personal health information. You may obtain your health records, correct information on your health record and give permission to those who need to see your health records. This law sets rules and limitations on who can view and receive your personal information whether it is verbal, electronic, or written. The information that is protected includes any information that is put in your medical record by doctors, nurses, or other health care providers, any information in your heath insurer†s computer system, billing information, and any conversations that are discussed between your doctor and nurses in regards to your treatment or care. The Privacy Rule applies to covered entities only; these include health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers who submit health care information electronically.

If you feel as though your health information is not being protected, you may file a complaint with your provider, health insurer, or the U.S. Government. In order to file a complaint, it must be written and submitted via mail, e-mail, or fax within 180 days. If there is “good cause”, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) may allow an extension beyond the 180-day period. When sending in the complaint, make sure that you are sending it to the correct OCR office or the OCR Headquarters.

The introduction of the HIPAA laws has helped improve the awareness of personal health care information issues. With patients, it has improved the level of comfort and trust that their information is being handled correctly.

For more information on HIPAA, please refer to the links listed below:

• HIPAA . How HIPAA has changed the world of health care.
• Is This a Covered Entity? :Find out how to determine if your provider is a covered entity.
• Covered Entity Charts . Charts to help with determining if a provider is a covered entity.
• Privacy Rule Booklet . Information on the Privacy Rule and understanding HIPAA.
• HIPAA Information . Consumer information on HIPAA.
• Filing a Complaint . Information on how to file a complaint.
• HIPAA Research Impact . Links to more information on how HIPAA has affected research.
• HIPAA Privacy Rule and Public Health . Information and guidance from the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• HIPAA Myths and Facts . Myths and facts about HIPAA and Health Privacy.
• HIPAA Regulations . Regulation information for patient care.
• HIPAA . Links to more information about HIPAA.
• HIPAA Resources . More link on additional information on HIPAA.
• HIPAA Student Health Services . Resource information from the American College Health Association.
• Authorization Form . An example of an authorization form to use for compliance.
• HIPAA Frequently Asked Questions . Frequently asked questions and the answers to them.

HIPAA News . Great site with up to date news and information on HIPAA laws.