HHS OCR posts new Web site for health information privacy

February 11, 2009 — The Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights has posted its new Web site. The health information privacy (HIP) pages have been extensively revised to improve organization and ease of use for consumers, covered entities and others seeking reliable advice on the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the Patient Safety Rule.

The Web site contains significant new content including:

1. For Consumers pages (with new information on):

• Medical Records

• Employers and Health Information in the Workplace

• Personal Representatives

• Family Members and Friends

• Court Orders and Subpoenas

• Notice of Privacy Practices

2. Privacy Rule home page—rulemaking timeline 

3. Enforcement Rule home page—rulemaking timeline 

4. Emergency Preparedness home page 

5. Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act page  

6. Special Topics home page 

7. Before you File a HIP Complaint 

8. Patient Safety Rule home page 

9. Patient Safety Statute home page 

10. Patient Safety Enforcement Activities and Results home page

Source: The Department of Health and Human Services, www.hhs.gov