CNN: HIPAA was not waived in Orlando as result of tragedy, and here’s why

On June 14, 2016, CNN reported, “In the aftermath of the deadly shooting at Pulse, an Orlando gay bar, family and friends of wounded victims sought all the information they could about their loved ones' health. But there was mass confusion around medical privacy and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, known as HIPAA.

“Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said Sunday that he contacted the White House to ‘waive’ HIPAA regulations so doctors could update shooting victims' loved ones about their conditions. Some news outlets even reported that the waiver was an unusual step for the federal government but important for gay rights.

“However, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there was no ‘waiver’ after all. It wasn't needed.” READ MORE

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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.