HIPAA Authorization

 

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was enacted by Congress on August 21, 1996. The purpose of the legislation is to provide federal protections for personal health information held primarily by health care providers. The Act also sets forth the rights of patients with regard to personal information shared with health care providers. 

​

For more information about the Act and your rights under it, visit the Department of Health & Human Services' website.

​

Why Everyone Needs a HIPAA Authorization

Health care providers (called "covered entities" under the law) must have procedures in place to limit who can view and access your health information. The law does not require health care providers to share information with your family/loved ones unless they are your Personal Representative(s). However, the law does permit providers to share information with your loved ones in certain circumstances if you've given them permission to do so.

​

Everyone should have a HIPAA authorization that specifically identifies the persons with whom your health care providers can share your personal information. Preparing and signing such an authorization ensures that the individuals you will rely on to make your health care decisions can access your health care information.