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HIPAA Countdown

Q. HIPAA’s provisions are still changing. Why should I worry about it now?

A. The Department of Health and Human Services has proposed changes to HIPAA to protect sensitive patient information without hindering health care access. However, the basic rule remains in effect, and BIDMC must be in compliance on April 14, 2003. HIPAA reinforces existing privacy laws and BIDMC policies — so while its implementation is still a year away, you should be observing privacy precautions now:

  • Don’t talk about patients in public places.

  • Never leave patients’ medical records unattended (or electronic records on screen when you leave your computer).

  • Protect passwords, and limit access to sensitive information to employees who absolutely need it.


Information on BIDMC’s privacy policies:
Sandra Leitao, Office of Business Conduct at (97)5-6132; Holly Ballam, Health Information Management at (66)7-8149; or on the Web portal under “Employee Resources” click “Administrative Reference,” then “Organizational Policies, Plans and Guidelines.”

More information on HIPAA: www.hipaadvisory.com/regs/