Health Information Privacy Act for a Patient

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protects patients' privacy. This act makes it illegal for health care organizations to misuse, disclose or share patient information without the patient's authority.

Function

• Prior to receiving health care services, patients are required to sign a consent form, which indicates they understand their rights. They also can grant specific people access to their information. Consent forms give health care organizations the authority to release patient information only to the people listed on the forms.

Considerations

• According to the act, the disclosure of patient information is mandatory under certain circumstances. Such times include during a criminal investigation, a lawsuit or when patients are receiving court-ordered treatment.

Effects

• The health information privacy act has transformed the way providers handle patient information. Organizations have implemented security protocols involving password-protected databases and strict procedures for the disposal of records.