Understanding HIPAA: OCR Publishes New Provider And Consumer Guides

Understanding the complexities of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Rules is often a challenge for health care providers and consumers.  Recognizing  the widespread confusion surrounding the interpretation of the rules, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released new tools to educate providers and consumers about HIPAA.

Many consumers regularly sign a HIPAA Notices of Privacy Practice with little to no understanding of what the form actually says or means.  To help consumers understand their rights under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, OCR has developed consumer guides about HIPAA, which are available in eight languages.  These materials include information about individuals' health information privacy rights, understanding the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, and sharing health information with family members and friends.  Along with these fact sheets, OCR released