E/M Coding Alert - 2018 Issue 2
Patient Privacy: Determine Whether New HIPAA Update Impacts Your Rights to Discuss Patients' Opioid Issues
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Article Overview
This article reviews a federal privacy update issued in response to the opioid public health emergency and explains how it relates to HIPAA communication with family members, friends, and legal representatives during crisis situations. It is aimed at clinicians, emergency department staff, compliance personnel, and privacy officers who need a general understanding of when patient information may be shared and why other federal substance-use treatment rules may be more restrictive. The discussion also addresses the broader privacy implications of reduced administrative barriers and highlights that the guidance does not replace all other applicable confidentiality requirements.
Why This Topic Matters
Providers working in emergency and substance-use settings need to understand which privacy rules apply before sharing information in crisis situations. Misunderstanding the relationship between HIPAA and other federal requirements can affect patient privacy, family involvement, and compliance risk.
Article Sections
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Background
Provides public-health context for the opioid crisis and the federal response that prompted updated privacy guidance.
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How Does the PHE Impact HIPAA?
Summarizes the federal clarification on sharing patient information during crisis situations and discusses how it relates to existing privacy frameworks.
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Some Providers Must Follow SAMHSA Rules
Explains that certain treatment settings may be subject to additional federal confidentiality requirements beyond the HIPAA discussion.
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Will Increased Information Sharing Impact PHI Standards?
Addresses broader privacy concerns about reduced restrictions and the possible implications for security and confidentiality standards.
What You Will Learn
- How a federal opioid-related public health declaration prompted privacy guidance for healthcare providers
- How the article distinguishes general HIPAA privacy considerations from other federal confidentiality requirements
- Why family and friend communication during crisis situations is a key privacy topic for clinicians
- What concerns are raised about broader trends in information sharing and patient privacy
Who Should Read This
- Emergency department providers
- Healthcare compliance professionals
- Privacy officers
- Clinicians treating opioid-use patients
- Health information management professionals
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