EDH is committed to ensuring the privacy of our members and the confidentiality of their information, our compliance with HIPAA's Administrative Simplification provisions will further ensure that the use and disclosure of member information continues to be carefully monitored, evaluated and protected.
Congress passed the Administrative Simplification provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the nation’s health care system.
HIPAA’s Administrative Simplification provisions require the Department of Health and Human Services to promulgate standards for the electronic exchange of certain administrative and financial transactions and for the security and privacy of health information. The Administrative Simplification provisions are implemented through a package of regulations, all of which apply to three distinct covered entities: health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers who transmit health information electronically in connection with standardized transactions.
The Standards for Electronic Transactions regulation adopts standards for eight electronic transactions and for national code sets to be used in those transactions. The adoption of national code sets results in the elimination of local procedure codes. Proposed standards for additional transactions are expected in the future.
The Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information regulation establishes standards for the use and disclosure of protected health information. It also establishes some patient rights, including individuals’ access to records.
The Security regulation addresses the safeguarding of health information in electronic form.
Other regulations are yet to be finalized and will address identifiers for health care providers, employers and health plans.
If you have any questions or complaints, please contact HIPAA Privacy and Compliance Office by phone: 972-687-1863 or email:
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Disclaimer: EDH obtains its information from sources it believes to be reliable. However, due to human and mechanical errors as well as other factors, EDH makes no representations or other warranties, express or implied, to the accuracy of the information. This information is provided for discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is not intended for use without advice of legal counsel. It is also not a substitute for legal or other professional advice. Users should consult their own legal counsel for advice regarding the application of the law and this document as it applies to the HIPAA regulations.
