Course Summary
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) instituted two Final Rules on patient privacy this year:
- The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the OCR announced a rule modifying Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Record regulations. Part 2 protects the identity, diagnoses, prognosis or treatment of patients related to education, prevention, training, treatment, rehabilitation or research. It addresses concerns that discrimination and fear of prosecution deter people from entering treatment and creates civil enforcement for the first time.
- The HIPAA Privacy Rule supports access to reproductive healthcare services – giving patients confidence their protected health information (PHI) will remain private. OCR established requirements for protection of PHI by covered entities – including most providers – by December 23, 2024. The rule prohibits the use and disclosure of PHI for criminal, civil or administrative investigations or liabilities to seek, obtain, provide or facilitate reproductive healthcare where it’s lawful.
The Security Rule operationalizes protections contained in the Privacy Rule by addressing safeguards covered entities must have to secure PHI. OCR is publishing modifications to this rule in December, and the final rule will be published in 2025.
Join us for an engaging panel discussion where health information executives explore these significant changes and provide guidance for operationalizing the complex rules. Register now to participate in this important conversation.