Guide to Health Information Portability and Accountability Act

HIPAA Health Information Portability and Accountability Act It's the law as of April 14, 2001. Federal government spells out new regulations for medical information privacy.
HIPAA was enacted to ensure that private health information stays just that - private - no matter the method of communication. Patient data is readily available in computer systems, via faxes, wireless communication and the old standby - paper. Even a causal passerby can often see confidential patient information when visiting someone in the hospital. A click of the "send button" and information can be flowing, maybe to the wrong party.

HIPAA regulates insurance companies- ability to decline people who move from one job to another based on pre-existing health conditions. In addition, standards for privacy protection, security of data, and protection of theft and misuse were included in the Act, for both electronic data and printed documents.

President George W. Bush has directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to begin implementing the patient privacy rule, giving patients greater access to their own medical records and more control over how their personal information is used.

"We are giving patients peace of mind in knowing that their medical records are indeed confidential and their privacy is not vulnerable to intrusion." Tommy Thompson, Secretary HHS stated in his press release dated April 12, 2001.

While it is possible to keep the central patient files under lock and key and use security software, the information displayed on computers throughout a health care facility is often in plain sight. Privacy filters offer a solution to help prevent inadvertent disclosure of patient information, including information displayed on computer monitors in areas where almost anyone could see the data - nursing stations, patient rooms, check-in desks to name just a few.

Whom does it affect-

Covered Entities: those that transmit any health information in connection with a standardized transaction. (e.g. Health Plans, Clearinghouses and Providers)

Business Associates: organizations who conduct business with covered entities. (e.g. employers or unions)

Privacy Filters offer:

• Excellent for open, high traffic environments where on-screen data needs to be kept secure.
• Reduces screen glare to help prevent eyestrain, eye fatigue, and glare-related headaches associated with computer monitor use.
• Eliminates ELF/VLF E-field radiation up to 99.9%, reduces static charge and dust build-up when properly grounded.