Medical Privacy

In 1996, the US Government passed a law called Health Information Portability and Accountability Act "HIPAA" (hip-a). This law is also known as the "Privacy Rule".  The law states that you have the right to keep information about your health private.  This includes any health problems you have now or have had in the past.  The only way other people can find out about your health is if you give them permission. Permission is usually given by signing a consent form.  Only after you have signed this form can other people or companies find out about your health.  The consent form does allow the health care people taking direct care of you to share information with other members of your health care team.  This law also states that you must be told about how your private health information may be used.  It is your right to know when and how information about your health is released. You also have the right to know who is asking and why.  You have the right to refuse.  Please ask your doctor or nurse if you have any other questions about HIPAA.

UNMHSC HIPAA Forms:

English:	Spanish:	Vietnamese:
Auth. to Request Health Information Auth. to Use or Disclose Health Info. Notice of Privacy Practice	Auth. to Request Health Information Auth. to Use or Disclose Health Info. Notice of Privacy Practices	Auth. to Request Health Information Auth. to Use or Disclose Health Info. Notice of Privacy Practices

 

Additional Information about HIPAA Regulations & Standards

• Health Level 7
• Health Privacy Project
• HIPAAcomply
• HIPAA Statute
• NM Coalition for Healthcare Information Leadership Initiatives
• Office for Civil Rights
• The Privacy Rule
• Transactions & Code Set Standards
• Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange