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HHS Clarifies HIPAA Emergency Rules


October 7, 2008

The Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a clarification of when certain provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Rule can be suspended during a national or public health emergency. Following is the full text of that report:

Is the HIPAA Privacy Rule suspended during a national or public health emergency? No; however, the Secretary of HHS may waive certain provisions of the Rule under the Project Bioshield Act of 2004 (PL 108-276) and section 1135(b)(7) of the Social Security Act.

If the President declares an emergency or disaster and the Secretary declares a public health emergency, the Secretary may waive sanctions and penalties against a covered hospital that does not comply with certain provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Rule:

* The requirements to obtain a patient’s agreement to speak with family members or friends involved in the patient’s care (45 CFR 164.510(b))
* The requirement to honor a request to opt out of the facility directory (45 CFR 164.510(a))
* The requirement to distribute a notice of privacy practices (45 CFR 164.520)
* The patient’s right to request privacy restrictions (45 CFR 164.522(a))
* The patient’s right to request confidential communications (45 CFR 164.522(b))

If the Secretary issues such a waiver, it only applies:

* In the emergency area and for the emergency period identified in the public health emergency declaration.
* To hospitals that have instituted a disaster protocol. The waiver would apply to all patients at such hospitals.
* For up to 72 hours from the time the hospital implements its disaster protocol.

When the Presidential or Secretarial declaration terminates, a hospital must then comply with all the requirements of the Privacy Rule for any patient still under its care, even if 72 hours has not elapsed since implementation of its disaster protocol.

Regardless of activation of an emergency waiver, the HIPAA Privacy Rule permits disclosures for treatment purposes and certain disclosures to disaster relief organizations. For instance, the Privacy Rule allows covered entities to share patient information with the American Red Cross so it can notify family members of the patient’s location. See 45 CFR 165.510(b)(4).

For more information on sharing information in emergency situations, visit hhs.gov.

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