HIPAA and Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is HIPAA?
A: HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 designed to protect the privacy of patient information.
Q: What is the Notice of Privacy Practices?
A: Starting April 14, 2003, HIPAA requires all health care organizations to provide patients with a Notice (Notice of Privacy Practices) that explains your rights regarding your private healthcare information. You have the right to:
- Inspect and copy your medical records;
- Request an amendment or addendum to your medical records;
- An accounting of disclosures of your private health information;
- Request restrictions to release of your medical information; and
- Request confidential communications with you.
Q: Is the Counseling Center treating my counseling record differently under HIPAA?
A: No, we have always protected your private counseling information in accordance with state and federal law and professional ethics. We remain committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your records and private health information.
Q: Will the Counseling Center disclose my private counseling record for all of the reasons sited in the Notice of Privacy Practices?
A: The Notice says we "may use and disclose" your health information for various purposes, but that does not mean that we will use and disclose your information for all reasons cited. Even though the Notice says "we may also give information to someone who helps pay for your care" that does not mean that we will break your confidence and contact a friend or family member. We will only contact family members regarding your medical information if you give us express authorization to do so, except for life threatening emergencies.
Q: If my parent calls the Counseling Center and asks about my counseling record, what will happen?
A: We will only discuss your counseling record with your parent if you have given us express authorization to do so by completing a Release of Confidential Information from the UC Irvine Counseling Center Form or if we have determined that there is a life threatening emergency.
