HHS Issues Updated FAQ Guidance on HIPAA Privacy Rule
The Office of Civil Rights of HHS on Wednesday, December 4 issued a new guidance on the HIPAA Privacy Rule. It is meant to communicate as clearly as possible the privacy policies contained in the Privacy Rule. The guidance provides a comprehensive overview of the Rule, and covers areas including incidental uses and disclosures of protected health information, minimum necessary, business associates, treatment-payment-health care operations, marketing, public health, research, and notice.

For a particular segment in the Privacy Rule, the guidance will provide a brief explanation of the segment and how the Rule works, followed by "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQs) about that provision. HHS will also be adding to the "Frequently Asked Questions" on an ongoing basis as new questions arise. HHS plans to work expeditiously to address these additional questions to facilitate understanding of the Rule and to encourage voluntary compliance with its requirements.

To access the FAQ Guidance, go to:
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/privacy.html