HIPAA: Use OCR Guidance to Update Privacy Policies

Why This Topic Matters

The article matters because it helps healthcare organizations understand updated federal privacy guidance affecting how HIPAA terms are interpreted and how certain disclosures and plan-related privacy provisions are viewed after Windsor.

Article Sections

1. Windsor decision and OCR guidance

   Introduces the Supreme Court decision and the related HHS OCR guidance issued to help covered entities understand the privacy-rule implications.

2. Know the New Meaning of 3 Key Terms

   Reviews the broad terminology changes discussed in the guidance and how they relate to marital and family relationships under HIPAA.

3. How ‘Family Member’ Definition Impacts Your Practices

   Summarizes the privacy-rule areas discussed where the revised family-member concept may affect covered entities and health plans.

4. Look ahead

   Notes the article’s discussion of expected future OCR clarification on related privacy-rule topics.