HIPAA and Your Protected Health Information
You probably have heard many different things about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, which took effect on April 14, 2003. The HIPAA Privacy legislation was enacted by U.S. Congress in 1996. Congress asked the Department of Health and Human Services to create regulations for protecting patients’ privacy as part of HIPAA. The Privacy Rule is the first-ever set of federal standards that protect patients’ medical records and other health information.
We understand that medical information about you and your health is personal, and we are committed to protecting medical information about you. We are required by law to make sure that your Protected Health Information (PHI) is kept private and to give you a notice about our legal duties and privacy practices.
We will only share your protected health information with those outside the organization as per your wishes. Individuals involved in your diagnosis and evaluation and treatment and payment for services will have full access to expedite your care.
When you register or are admitted at one of Community Health Network’s facilities, you will receive a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices (Privacy Notice). You will be asked to read the notice and sign an acknowledgement form, stating that you received our Privacy Notice.
If you believe that your rights to the privacy of your health information have been violated, you may make a complaint in writing to our Network Privacy and Compliance Officer at 1500 North Ritter Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46219. You also may make a complaint in writing to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
For more information about HIPAA and Community’s efforts to protect your health information, call our Network Privacy and Compliance Officer at 317-621-7324 or send an e-mail.
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