Protecting the Privacy of Patients' Health Information
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA):
Congress called on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue patient
privacy protections as part of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act of 1996 (HIPAA). On April 14, 2003, the first-ever federal privacy standards
to protect patients' medical records and other health information provided to health
plans, doctors, hospitals and other health care providers took effect. These new
standards provide patients with access to their medical records and more control
over how their personal health information is used and disclosed. Existing California
law which provides additional protection to consumers is not affected by this new
federal regulation.
As HIPAA is a federal regulation, the Medical Board has no authority to evaluate
concerns related to HIPAA implementation or violations. Further information about
HIPAA can be obtained from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of
Civil Rights through their website: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/.