The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted by Congress in 1996. The Privacy Rule of HIPAA took effect in 2003. The Privacy Rule regulates the use and disclosure of certain information held by "covered entities" and establishes regulations for the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI). PHI is any information held by a covered entity which concerns health status, provision of health care, or payment for health care that can be linked to an individual.
Due to the role that many aging providers play in West Virginia in providing Medicaid services, HIPAA regulations and privacy rules have become extremely important. Further information can be found at HIPAA/Privacy Tips and Updates.
For detailed information about HIPAA, please go to www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy.