Model Notices of Privacy Practices Released

The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has released model Notices of Privacy Practices for health care providers and health plans to use to communicate with their patients and plan members. Developed collaboratively by ONC and OCR, and with input from consumers and key stakeholders, the model Notices are provided in three different styles and are customizable by users.   Covered entities may use these models by entering some of their own information into the model, such as contact information, and then printing for distribution and posting on their websites.

The three options for Privacy Notices are:

• A notice in the form of a booklet;
• A layered notice with a summary of the information on the first page and full content on the following pages; or
• A notice with the design elements of the booklet, but that is formatted for full-page presentation

A text-only version is available for covered entities who only wish to use the content. You can access the notices at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/modelnotices.html.

Why Use These Model Notices?

The HIPAA Privacy Rule gives individuals a right to be informed of the privacy practices of health plans and health care providers and of their privacy rights regarding their personal health information. Health plans and covered health care providers (covered entities) are required by HIPAA to develop and distribute a notice that provides a clear, user-friendly explanation of these rights and practices. These model Notices can help providers and plans by reflecting the regulatory changes of the Omnibus Rule and serving as the baseline for covered entities working to come into compliance with the new requirements

Find more information about the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the Notice requirements on the OCR webpage.

http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/coveredentities/notice.html

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.