HIPAA PRIVACY REGULATIONS
History / Overview
The primacy of client privacy and confidentiality has long been a tenet of the Social Work profession. The Nature of our work with clients and our sensitivity to the stigma that often accompanies mental illness and substance abuse issues guides our position. The U.S. Congress recognized the importance of privacy of medical records when the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was enacted during the Clinton administration.
Statement
“Turning Points” Notice of Privacy Practices incorporates the NASW Code of Ethics standards for the release of confidential client information, which in many respects is more protective of privacy than HIPAA. Voluntary use of stricter standards for disclosure (such as the NASW Code of Ethics) is permitted by HIPAA and encouraged by NASW. Social Workers are encouraged to maintain the high standards of the Social Work profession and to obtain client consent in most instances when releasing client information.
“Turning Points” Notice of Privacy Practices
INTERNET HIPPA RESOURCES
HIPAA Highlights for Social Workers – NASW HIPAA Resources
www.socialworkers.org/hipaa
Guidance from HHS on the Privacy Regulations (December 2002)
www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/guidelines/guidanceallsections.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions about HIPAA
www.answers.hhs.gov