Effective April 14, 2003, new federal regulations require us to be even more vigilant in safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of our patients’ medical conditions.
Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, known as HIPAA, we may release information about the condition of a patient only if the inquiry specifically contains the patient’s name. If the patient has not requested that information be withheld, and the request for information contains the patient’s name, we will generally be able to release the patient’s condition. However, we will do so in general terms that do not communicate specific medical information. Below are the one-word descriptions we will be able to provide:
• Undetermined
• Good
• Fair
• Serious
• Critical
A description of the nature of a patient’s accident or injuries in the past, this is not permissible under HIPAA without written authorization from the patient. Additionally, patients have the option of requesting that we disclose no information about them or even confirm their presence in the hospital.
I have no reason to be informed of the events in the private life of the Vice President if it has no direct bearing on his ability to effectively and honorably conduct the affairs of his elected office.