Requirements and Laws:
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
Below are links to a memo describing NIP's policy for addressing future HIPAA guidance, a HIPAA Factsheet, and answers to frequently asked questions regarding HIPPA and perinatal hepatitis B prevention, and AFIX and VFC provider site visits.
- Dear Colleague letter from Dr. Steve Cochi describing NIP's efforts to provide guidance on the impact of HIPAA on public health practice. NEW!
Attachments to letter include:- HIPAA and Public Health Fact Sheet (same as below)
- Dear Colleague memo from Dr. Walter Orenstein describing NIP's policy for issuing future HIPAA guidance.
Attachments to memo include: - HIPAA as it relates to Immunization Registries
Additional sources of information
- Protecting the Privacy of Patients' Health Information
- How to File a Health Info. Privacy Complaint
- Educational Materials
- Am I a Covered Entity?
- Your Frequently Asked Questions on Privacy
- For Smaller Providers and other Small Businesses
- Sample Business Associate contract
- The Privacy Rule and Public Health
- The Privacy Rule and Research
Congress called on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue patient privacy protections as part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). HIPAA included provisions designed to encourage electronic transactions and also required new safeguards to protect the security and confidentiality of health information. The final regulation covers health plans, health care clearinghouses, and those health care providers who conduct certain financial and administrative transactions (e.g., enrollment, billing and eligibility verification) electronically. Most health insurers, pharmacies, doctors and other health care providers were required to comply with these federal standards beginning April 14, 2003. As provided by Congress, certain small health plans have an additional year to comply.
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Content last reviewed on April 25, 2005
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases