What Is HIPAA?

When a person seeks treatment for any kind of condition, he or she deserves the right to privacy. In 1996, the federal government secured this right with legislation known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA. The sections of HIPAA that apply to most healthcare providers are the Privacy Rule and the Security Rule.

If you work in the medical field, it is very important to be informed about HIPAA regulations. An accusation of violating these regulations could lead to the suspension or revocation of your professional license. To learn more about HIPAA and professional license defense, call the Texas medical license attorneys of the Leichter Law Firm at 512-495-9995.

The Privacy Rule

The Privacy Rule regulates the use of Protected Health Information, or PHI. PHI is defined as any information related to a patient’s diagnosis, treatments, or payments for medical care. The Privacy Rule puts strict limitations on how this information can be used and when it can be shared. It also secures each patient’s right to access his or her own PHI upon request.

The Security Rule

The Security Rule was written to address the issue of electronically stored PHI, also known as Electronic Protected Health Information or EPHI. This rule requires all hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies to take strict measures to protect their clients’ EPHI. These safeguards include administrative, technical, and physical protections.

HIPAA and Professional Licenses

Federal law takes HIPAA violations very seriously. Individuals or organizations that fail to follow HIPAA regulations may face fines totaling thousands or even millions of dollars. In addition, individuals who knowingly violate these regulations may be sentenced to several years in jail. Finally, professionals may also be penalized by the loss of their professional licenses.

Contact Us

If your medical license is at risk due to an alleged HIPAA violation, we may be able to help. To discuss your case with an experienced Texas professional license defense lawyer, contact the Leichter Law Firm by calling 512-495-9995.