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FAQ 1500 Do HIPAA protections apply to the health information of individuals, INDEX

This is information regarding HIPAA's applicability to deceased persons.

Final

Issued by: Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

Do the HIPAA Privacy Rule protections apply to the health information of deceased individuals?

Answer:

Yes, for a period of 50 years following the date of death of the individual.  During this period, the Privacy Rule protects the identifiable health information of the deceased individual to the same extent the Rule protects the health information of a living individual.  However, in cases where a covered entity maintains a medical records archive or otherwise maintains health or medical records that contain identifiable health information on individuals who have been deceased for more than 50 years, such information is not considered protected health information and may be used or disclosed without regard to the Privacy Rule.

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DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.