Whatever, may be the implications and provisions of the HIPAA, but the most important issue still debated in HIPAA is about communication of the health information among friend and family members of the patients has been remained very crucial since the formation of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996).
HIPAA to some extent has made it frustrating experience for the family members and friends of patient to get all the relevant information. Any person can be despondent and frustrating when he fails to achieve information about his near one who is hospitalized. However, the new guidance as issued by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services may bring some transparency in distributing a patient’s information to his near and dear ones.
Under the new regulation, a patient’s information can be shared by health service provider face to face, over the phone, or in writing with closed ones of the patient. And moreover there is no necessary for a patient’s close one or anyone who is paying on the behalf of patient to produce and identity proof. It is the left upon the health service provider how it establishes a person’s identity whether to provide him with any information or not.
Here are the following changes.
• Patient Guide: When Health Care Providers May Communicate About You with Your Family, Friends, or Others Involved in Your Care
• Provider Guide: Communicating with a Patient’s Family, Friends, or Others Involved in a Patient’s Care
