Healthcare in the United States
Healthcare: HIPPA and the Law ‘The basic requirement of the final privacy rules is that a covered entity may not use or disclose an individual’s protected health information, except as otherwise permitted or required by the rules. The original privacy rule required that the use or disclosure of personal health information would only be permissible provided a covered entity had received a prior “consent” or “authorization” from the patient for the release of personal health information” (Giacalone and Cacciatore 433).
According to Giacalone and Cacciatore, it is important to protect every patient’s health information and medical records. The HIPPA Law ensures that our privacy will not be violated by giving us the right to authorize only certain individuals to have access to our medical records. The privacy law was created to protect the privacy of patient’s health information when sent electronically and releases medical records only to patients and not to any unauthorized individuals. There are some exceptions on who can access the medical records such as insurance agencies, attorneys, authorized family members, friends or a transferred doctor. However, in order for anyone to receive access to the patient’s records, the individuals name needs to be in the record giving permission to obtain the records. HIPAA privacy law does affect the patient’s right to access his/her medical records because they can always request to review the records for any mistakes or disclosed information. In order for them to review their medical records or use for other purposes, the patient must fill out a written request form to obtain copies. Patients also have the right to have a provider amend personal health information found in medical or billing records. A medical provider may request an amendment of a patient’s medical records provided the patient submit authorization supporting the reasons for the amendment (437).
Gentry notes that, “institutions will save
According to Giacalone and Cacciatore, it is important to protect every patient’s health information and medical records. The HIPPA Law ensures that our privacy will not be violated by giving us the right to authorize only certain individuals to have access to our medical records. The privacy law was created to protect the privacy of patient’s health information when sent electronically and releases medical records only to patients and not to any unauthorized individuals. There are some exceptions on who can access the medical records such as insurance agencies, attorneys, authorized family members, friends or a transferred doctor. However, in order for anyone to receive access to the patient’s records, the individuals name needs to be in the record giving permission to obtain the records. HIPAA privacy law does affect the patient’s right to access his/her medical records because they can always request to review the records for any mistakes or disclosed information. In order for them to review their medical records or use for other purposes, the patient must fill out a written request form to obtain copies. Patients also have the right to have a provider amend personal health information found in medical or billing records. A medical provider may request an amendment of a patient’s medical records provided the patient submit authorization supporting the reasons for the amendment (437).
Gentry notes that, “institutions will save
Cited: Giacalone, Robert P.; Cacciatore, Gary G. “HIPPA And Its Impact on Pharmacy Practice” American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy (2003): 43 3 Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. Web.06 Feb. 2013 Gentry, C Web. 06 Feb. 2013 Wiley, Rein LLP Quality of Health Care, or Can We Advance Both?” (2003) American Heart Association Journals Web