Statutory and Regulatory Background
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Public Law 104-191, was enacted on August 21, 1996. This was meant to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system, with an over-riding provision for the protection of the health information of every individual while permitting the sharing of required and necessary information.
Sections 261 through 264 of HIPAA require the Secretary of HHS to publicize standards for the electronic exchange, privacy and security of health information. Collectively these are known as the Administrative Simplification provisions.
In March 2002, the Department proposed and released for public comment modifications to the Privacy Rule, and the final modifications were published in final form on August 14, 2002. A text combining the final regulation and the modifications can be found at 45 CFR Part 160 and Part 164, Subparts A and E.
At PrimeCare Pediatrics, we are committed to protecting your private health information. To see our full privacy notice, please click on the link below.