HIPAA Related Links

Guidance for Ryan White CARE Act Grantees

The HIV/AIDS Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) developed “Protecting Health Information Privacy and Complying with Federal Regulations.” The guide highlights provisions of the Privacy Rule that are especially relevant to Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act grantees.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Guidance for Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued The Confidentiality Of Alcohol And Drug Abuse Patient Records Regulation And The HIPAA Privacy Rule: Implications For Alcohol And Substance Abuse Programs as guidance for substance abuse treatment programs that are subject to the confidentiality requirements of “Part 2” Regulations (The Part 2 regulations apply to substance abuse treatment “programs” as defined by 42 CFR § 2.11 that are “federally assisted” as defined by 42 CFR § 2.12(b)). It explains which programs must also comply with the Privacy Rule and outlines some compliance requirements.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

CMS enforces the Administrative Simplification standards adopted by HHS that do not relate to health information privacy. Visit the CMS Web site for more guidance on these regulations and CMS’s enforcement activities.

- Transaction and Code Set Standard (TCS), 65 FR 50313 (August 17, 2000)
- National Employer Identifier Number (EIN) Rule, 67 FR 38009 (May 31, 2002)
- National Provider Identifier Rule, 69 FR 3434 (January 23, 2004)
- National Plan Identifier Rule (currently under development).

National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics (NCVHS)

NCVHS advises the Secretary on implementation of the Administrative Simplification provisions of HIPAA. Visit the NCVHS Web site for the Committee's calendar of meetings and latest reports and recommendations.

Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI)

WEDI focuses on improving the quality of healthcare by informing and educating WEDI members and other healthcare stakeholders about the benefits of and strategies for improving information exchange and management. WEDI has a number of policy and advisory groups which work to facilitate a collaborative, industry-wide approach and readiness to health information technology (HIT), clinical initiatives, and standards including those for security, privacy, EDI transactions, code sets, and identifiers. Visit the WEDI Web site for more information about WEDI activities.

The Department of Labor (DOL) - Portability of Health Coverage

The Privacy Rule was authorized by the Administrative Simplification subtitle of HIPAA. Other subtitles of HIPAA increase consumer access to health insurance. These provisions provide protections for coverage under group health plans, that limit exclusions for preexisting conditions; prohibit discrimination against employees and dependents based on their health status; and allow a special opportunity to enroll in a new plan to individuals in certain circumstances. HIPAA may also give you a right to purchase individual coverage if you have no group health plan coverage available, and have exhausted COBRA or other continuation coverage. Visit the DOL Web site for more information regarding these HIPAA portability of coverage provisions.