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Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
HIPAA is a set of federal laws and regulations that affects many aspects of
how health insurance and health care are provided. Of particular relevance
to Cardinal Hayes Home for Children is a series of rules and laws that
govern the privacy of medical information and other confidential
information.
HIPAA was enacted because of a concern that with the increased use of
computerized record keeping and electronic billing for health care, there
was not sufficient protection of personal health care information.
The privacy rules of HIPAA apply to health care providers and health care
insurers. Because of the broad variety of services provided by Cardinal
Hayes Home and the way that we are paid for those services, we are
considered to be a “health care provider” that must follow the requirements
of this federal law.
Laws already in place in New York State give individuals and families
serviced in our programs substantial safeguards against the improper
disclosure of confidential information. However, all of our policies and
procedures have been reviewed to make sure that our practices are consistent
with the requirements of this new law.
HIPAA requires that we provide all of our consumers (or their
representatives) with a “privacy notice” that explains our privacy practices
and that describes the rights that consumers have. New, more detailed,
authorizations must be signed by our consumers or their families so that
health information in certain circumstances can be released. Prior to HIPAA,
our consumers already had substantial privacy rights. There is, however, a
“privacy officer” who can be contacted if there is reason to believe that a
consumer’s right to confidentiality has been violated.
Cardinal Hayes Home is committed to delivering high quality services in a
professional, confidential manner. We are available to answer any questions
that individuals in our care, their families, friends or advocates may have
with regard to this new federal law.
The complete Notice of Privacy Practices for Cardinal Hayes Home for
Children is available:
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
at CHHC. |
