From that report:
Health Information Privacy and Data Sharing
Technology is transforming public health through the migration of health information from paper to electronic systems. Laws regulating health information have similarly evolved. Health information privacy and data sharing requests (104) comprise the third largest proportion of Network claims. Most inquiries involve application of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its related Privacy Rule. Major themes include:
(1) general compliance with the Privacy Rule and other HIPAA requirements;
(2) public health agencies as hybrid entities;
(3) public health and research distinctions and exemptions;
(4) preemption of state privacy laws;
(5) de-identification of protected health information; and
(6) sharing of protected health information with outside entities.
The 2012 release of the HIPAA omnibus final rule generated multiple inquiries regarding its impact on public health agencies, leading the Network’s MidStates Region to develop a comprehensive summary of key changes. Other related TA areas include minors’ rights to confidentiality, the privacy of data on health information exchanges, and screening newborn dried blood spot specimens (addressed in a six-part Network webinar series), as well as interrelated issues concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act.
More from the Network for Public Health Law about “Health Information Data Sharing Requests” is available at http://www.networkforphl.org/network_resources/legal_assistance_library/health_information_data_sharing_requests/
Thanks Joe for sharing the news!
Tags: Data, sharing
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