What is HIPAA?

Posted on September 11, 2020

by Daphne Bechrakis

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is an important law that  protects the privacy of people who are receiving medical care. HIPAA does a few different things, including preventing medical professionals like nurses, doctors, therapists, and insurance providers from sharing your medical history or information to others without your permission. Check out these resources to discover your rights as a patient under HIPAA.

 

HIPAA Frequently Asked Questions

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a page of  frequently asked questions about HIPAA. 

 

Health Information Privacy

This resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a bunch of links that include information on who has to follow HIPAA, what your rights are, and how to file a complaint if you think your rights have been violated. 

 

HIPAA Privacy Rule and Sharing Information Related to Mental Health

Mental health information is considered medical information and is generally protected by HIPAA. This document from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services outlines frequently asked questions and exceptions for mental health professionals and mental health information protection under HIPAA. 

 

Daphne Bechrakis

Daphne Bechrakis

Daphne is a Public Services Librarian and Harry Potter enthusiast. In her free time, she enjoys reading, adding books to her ever-growing “to-be-read” list, hiking, and watching terrible movies with friends. One of her current life goals is to collect the entirety of the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett. Her bucket list includes seeing the Aurora Borealis and going to Yellowstone National Park. She is the proud owner of a spider-plant named Skullcrusher III, first of its kind, which she has somehow managed not to kill yet.
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