Upcoming HIPAA Changes

Updated HIPAA (the HealthInsurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations were finalized March26, 2013, and will have impact beginning September 23, 2013.  Here’s what you need to know about the newrules:

1. Confidentiality requirements have been expanded toinclude “business associates” of medical providers and health plans in order toprotect you from privacy breaches.
2. You must now be informed in advance and be able toopt out of receiving communications that use your private medical informationfor marketing, fundraising, or sales.
3. You can now request a copy of your medical records inelectronic format if your care provider keeps them in electronic format.
4. You now have the right to keep treatment confidentialif you pay in cash.

See Paul Premack, Upcoming HIPAA Changes Enhance Your Privacy,San Antonio Express-News, Aug. 26, 2013.

Special thanks to LauraGalvan (Attorney, San Antonio, Texas) for bringing this article to myattention.