Has the Secretary exceeded the HIPAA statutory authority by requiring "satisfactory assurances" for disclosures to business associates?

Answer:

No. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) gives the Secretary authority to directly regulate health plans, health care clearinghouses, and certain health care providers. It also grants the Department explicit authority to regulate the uses and disclosures of protected health information maintained and transmitted by covered entities. Therefore, the Department does have the authority to condition the disclosure of protected health information by a covered entity to a business associate on the covered entity’s having a written contract with that business associate.

Created 12/19/02