HIPAA Compliance

Protecting Privacy. Privacy and security of health information has become an important concern as the health care industry implements the first comprehensive federal law designed to insure the confidentiality of such information. With the passage of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, businesses must now contend with a vast array of rules and regulations governing the privacy of patient health information. These rules can affect a business as it relates to relationships with its employees, customers, service providers and vendors.

Complying with HIPAA. Rhoads & Sinon’s HIPAA Compliance Group is able to advise how the Privacy Regulations will impact your business. If you are a “covered entity” (such as a health care provider, a health plan including self-insured plans, or health care clearinghouses), or if you are a business associate (providing legal, actuarial, accounting, consulting, data aggregation, management, administrative, accreditation, technology or financial services to covered entities), we will assist you with all aspects of compliance, including:

gathering information about the sources of private information;
developing privacy procedures, notices and other written materials;
drafting, amending or reviewing plan documents and service provider agreements;
training employees on the use and disclosure of private information; and
monitoring on-going compliance.

We are also able to assist you with implementation of privacy compliance programs, including:

development or review of authorization, notice and consent forms;
development or review of business associate agreements;
analysis of HIPAA preemption and the continuing application of state confidentiality laws; education and training programs for management and employees;
responses to subpoenas and other legal requests, including your requests of governmental agencies; and,
analysis of the permitted uses of patient information including for commercial purposes.

Group Members. The members of Rhoads & Sinon's HIPAA Compliance Group include attorneys who regularly practice in the firm’s Labor and Employment, Corporate and Banking, Litigation, and Employee Benefits practices offering you well-rounded representation and advice. If we can be of assistance to you or your business, or if you have questions about HIPAA compliance, please contact any of the members of our group.

HIPAA Online Articles

School Districts and IUs as “Health Care Providers” Under HIPAA: Fact or Fiction

HIPAA And The Possible Effect On Your Company