News
Reminder: n4a Wants to Hear from You on HIPAA Changes
- By: USAging
- On: 04/23/2021 10:10:34
- In: Policy & Advocacy
n4a plans to submit comments in response to an HHS proposal to change Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy rules affecting care coordination and case management activities, and we want to hear from you about how these changes, if implemented, would affect your agency and the people you serve.
Earlier this week, n4a sent a summary of the proposals that we believe could have significant implications for Aging Network agencies and other community-based organizations. Specifically, the rulemaking would permit HIPAA-covered entities to disclose protected health information (PHI) to social service organizations, including AAAs, that provide/coordinate health-related services and engage in case management activities; and exempt covered entities from current standards limiting the amount of PHI that can be shared for the purposes of case management and care coordination activities. Other proposed changes would increase the ability of individuals to access their own PHI and reduce information-sharing restrictions during emergency or crisis situations.
The pending changes to HIPAA privacy rules are based on feedback received during a 2018 request for information (RFI) from stakeholders seeking input on how future changes could improve coordinated care. n4a previously commented on the RFI, and now seeks member input on the proposed rulemaking. Please send your feedback to Autumn Campbell (acampbell@n4a.org) by COB on Monday, April 26. Final comments are due to HHS on May 6.