Why Do We Sign Forms at the Doctor's Office About Information Release?

The stack of paperwork you must fill out at the doctor's office grew even more in 1996 with HIPAA.

In 1996, the federal government passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). The purpose of the act is to protect your personally identifying health information when passed between health care entities.

History

Though medical professionals have long protected the delicate information they handled, the digital age required more safeguards against breaches. HIPAA was enacted for this reason, and all personnel who handle this sensitive information receive training to do so.

Benefits

The main benefit of this paperwork is that you have more control over your medical information. Before HIPAA, access to your own records was not guaranteed. After HIPPA, you must receive notice on how this medical information is used and disclosed to others.

Considerations

Despite HIPAA, your private information can still be disclosed, sometimes without your consent. This information can be used for marketing or even law enforcement without a warrant, and you have no recourse to personally sue for privacy violations. That must be done by the Department of Health and Human Services.

References

• Privacy Rights: HIPAA Basics
• Center for Disease Control: HIPAA Privacy Rule and Public Health