HIPAA GUIDANCE FOR PROVIDERS REGARDING OPIOIDS

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On October 21, 2017 the Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights, which is responsible for HIPAA regulations, issued HIPAA guidance for providers communicating with family members, friends and personal representatives in times of opioid patient’s crisis and/or incapacitation.
 
The guidance indicates that current HIPAA regulations allow such communications without fear of a breach of the regulations. Providers are allowed to share information with others, without approval, in certain emergency or dangerous situations such as prevention or treatment of a serious and imminent threat to a patient’s health or safety.
 
Take note that certain states have their own laws, which are more protective of patient privacy and, therefore, must be followed.
 
Please check your state’s privacy laws protecting patient privacy rights.
 
For additional information go to www.HHS.gov.