Test

The confidentiality of personal data and of health information is a vexing concern in the United States. Meanwhile, technology continues to advance and more health information is made available through an internet connection, patients voice their concern in regards to breech of privacy and control over protected health information. To address these concerns, federal laws and regulations governing the usage and release of health information were publicized within the Heath Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

The HIPAA Privacy Act was formed to safeguard the confidentiality of the patient health data. HIPAA Privacy Act provides federal protection for personal health information, while offering patients right to access their health information, also known as PHI. The privacy rule is subject to all health care providers, third party entities and any other covered entity. HIPAA security rule necessitates covered entities, business associates and third party entities to implement safeguard measures to protect electronic health data submitted, retrieved and kept on file. The rule also necessitates administrative, physical and technical safeguard measures to be implemented to secure electronic communications of health data.

National criteria have been established by HIPAA Privacy Rule that permits disclosure of protected heath information that may be required for patient care, insurance billing and other purposes. The privacy rule applies to health care professionals, insurance health plans, clearinghouses, third party entities and those that utilize an electronic information systems to conduct health transactions. In addition, the rule includes electronic submission and retrieval, paper claims and verbal communications. A health care provider should train all employees on their privacy policies and procedures, implement processes and procedures on properly disposal of protected health information and safely securing medical records. In...