Designate Who Can Access Your Medical Information with a HIPAA Authorization
In 2003, The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was created to establish national standards protecting the privacy of medical patients’ health care information. HIPAA mandates that health care providers and insurance companies who released the medical information of patients can be subject to criminal penalties, civil fines and even imprisonment. As a result, health care providers are extremely cautious about sharing medical information about patients. This can include spouses, children, parents and other family members. As you can imagine, it is extremely frustrating and stressful when family members are unable to learn the medical condition of a loved one in an emergency.
By creating a HIPAA authorization, you can specify the people you would like to have access to your medical information. With a properly drafted and implemented HIPAA authorization, care providers will be far more likely to share information about your situation to the people you love, and in the process, allow them to comfort you when you need their attention and compassion most.
At The Tyra Law Firm, we include the development of your HIPAA Authorization as part of your overall plan. Contact our office to speak with an attorney to create your HIPAA Authorization.
