decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2021 Issue 1 (January)
Proposed HIPAA rule would cut red tape, make PHI transfers easier
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Article Overview
This article explains a proposed HHS Office for Civil Rights update to the HIPAA Privacy Rule that would change how covered entities handle protected health information access, sharing, and transfer. It is relevant to providers, health plans, compliance teams, and anyone tracking privacy rule changes affecting coordinated care, patient-directed access, third-party disclosures, and administrative burden. The article summarizes the main categories of proposed modifications and the policy context surrounding them.
Why This Topic Matters
If finalized, the proposal could affect privacy workflows, patient access processes, disclosure handling, notice language, and operational compliance across provider and health plan settings. It is important for organizations that manage protected health information and for professionals monitoring federal privacy rule developments.
Article Sections
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Adding flexibility to PHI sharing
Introduces the proposed changes affecting protected health information sharing, patient-directed exchange, and related administrative requirements. Also covers the general scope of flexibility the proposal would create for covered entities.
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Third-party shakeup
Summarizes proposed changes related to disclosures involving third parties and clarifications about when patient permission or other relationships may be required. The discussion focuses on broader exchange arrangements and operational implications.
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Minimum necessary
Addresses the proposed revisions touching the minimum necessary standard and how the rule would affect certain care coordination and case management scenarios. The section also notes where the standard would still remain relevant.
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Health app requirement
Covers proposed requirements involving patient-directed transmission of information to personal health applications and related implementation considerations. It also discusses the broader context of electronic access and application interfaces.
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Emergency provisions
Reviews proposed changes affecting emergency disclosures, workforce decision-making standards, and safety-related disclosures. The section also places those changes in the context of behavioral health and related privacy concerns.
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Easier permissions and more
Describes additional proposed access and disclosure changes, including patient transmission requests, notice requirements, and fee-related administrative issues. It also notes related operational expectations for covered entities.
What You Will Learn
- What the proposed HIPAA Privacy Rule changes are intended to address
- Which types of PHI sharing and access workflows are implicated
- How the proposal affects covered entities and health plans at a high level
- What categories of administrative and notice requirements may change
- How the proposal relates to electronic access and personal health applications
Who Should Read This
- Health care providers
- HIPAA compliance staff
- Health plans
- Medical office administrators
- Health information management professionals
- Privacy and regulatory professionals
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