HIPAA Violations & Patient Information
HIPAA is a federal compliance law that protects the private health information of patients. People who misuse and disclose patient information without proper authorization are in breach of HIPAA regulations and may suffer penalties.
History
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) became law in 1996. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HIPAA was created as a means of regulating the privacy and security of protected health information (PHI).
Types
HIPAA violations occur when patient privacy or information security is breached. A privacy breach may involve PHI being shared improperly or misused by doctors, employers or other associates. Security breaches occur when electronic safeguarding measures, such as password-protected computers, are absent.
Significance
Protecting patient health information keeps patients safe from public exposure. Patients have the right to a private health record and to maintain doctor-patient confidentiality.
Effects
Violating HIPAA is a federal offense that can result in fines and jail time, depending on the severity of the violation. Enforcement activities, such as compliance audits, are performed by the Office for Civil Rights to ensure privacy and security laws are not being breached.
Considerations
If HIPAA violations are suspected, individuals can file reports with the Office for Civil Rights. Complaints are anonymous to protect the individual from retaliation.
Tags: health information, Civil Rights, HIPAA federal, occur when, Office Civil, Office Civil Rights, Patient Information
