HIPAA

IMPORTANT UPDATE TO HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HITECH)

www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/coveredentities/breachnotificationifr.html

Also see information under Client Alert Section

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) provides rights and protections for employees and dependents who are covered under group health plans. Features of HIPAA include:

• Limits on Pre-existing conditions.
• Prohibits discrimination against employees and dependents based on their health status.
• Allows for Special Enrollment Periods for employees/dependents who lose coverage or who have a family status change.
• HIPAA also required the adoption of privacy and security standards in order to protect an individuals’ personal Health Information (PHI or ePHI if electronically transmitted).

Learn more today by viewing the following links:

Connecting to HHS.gov Website:  Understanding HIPAA Privacy   

HIPAA Privacy Rule Explanation (6 Pages - PDF)

Connecting to HHS.gov Website:  Understanding HIPAA Security

HIPAA Security Rule Explanation (10 Pages - PDF)