Ebola Outbreak Triggers HIPAA Privacy Reminder: Employment Law Manual Updated

Author: Gloria Ju

In light of the recent Ebola outbreak, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a bulletin reminding covered entities that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule applies in public health and other emergency situations. The bulletin covers when, to whom and to what extent a patient's medical information may be released, with and without the patient's authorization. It also explains the limited circumstances under which the HHS may waive sanctions and penalties for noncompliance with certain Privacy Rule provisions.

The Health Information and Privacy (HIPAA) section of the Employment Law Manual has been updated with this information.