Final HIPAA privacy rules.(Human Resources)

Bulletin (Northwest Public Power Association), April, 2003

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently published final rules governing the privacy requirements of the Health insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The rules require that "covered entities" establish extensive procedures and policies regarding the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI).

The final privacy rules, which adopt most of the modifications HHS proposed in March 2002 (including the substantive rules that apply to plan sponsors), are effective April 14, 2003 (April 14, 2004 for small health plans). By now plan sponsors should have taken steps to ensure that their group health plans will lye able to meet this deadline. Developing appropriate privacy policies, procedures, contracts, and other documents...

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