This guide explains when a health care provider is allowed to share a patient’s health information with the patient’s family members, friends, or others identified by the patient as involved in the patient’s
care under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule. HIPAA is a Federal law that sets national standards for how health plans, health care clearinghouses, and most health care providers are to protect the privacy of a patient’s health information
Disclaimer
The material in these guides and tools was developed from the experiences of Regional Extension Center staff in the performance of technical support and EHR implementation assistance to primary care providers. The information contained in this guide is not intended to serve as legal advice nor should it substitute for legal counsel. The guide is not exhaustive, and readers are encouraged to seek additional detailed technical guidance to supplement the information contained herein.
Reference in this web site to any specific resources, tools, products, process, service, manufacturer, or company does not constitute its endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. Government or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Audience
Providers & Professionals
Resource Topics
Privacy and Security
State and Community Resources