Impact of Federal privacy laws

Consider the impact of Federal privacy laws regarding health information on victims of sexual assault. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and its implementing regulations (found at 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164), established national standards for the protection of certain individually identifiable health information created or held by health care providers, health insurance companies, and health clearinghouses. The impact of these privacy laws on the provision of services to victims of sexual assault is unclear, because interpretation of the laws depends on individual situations and the law of the particular State. Responders are encouraged to contact their State coalition for further discussion about the impact of the HIPAA regulations on their participation in the exam process.[3]



Go to the Next Section: Confidentiality > Difficulties in maintaining confidentiality

Download printer-friendly versions