Episode 352 - #TerryTuesday - Navigating HIPAA In A Post-COVID World

The Compliance Guy

Summary

In this episode, Sean and Terry discuss the evolving landscape of healthcare compliance, particularly focusing on HIPAA protections and the implications of the Cures Act. They explore the changes in regulations post-COVID, the importance of safeguarding mental health information, and the need for practices to stay updated with compliance policies. The conversation emphasizes the complexities of navigating healthcare regulations and the necessity for clear communication and understanding within the industry.

Takeaways

• Terry and Sean both experienced health issues recently, leading to a brief hiatus.
• There has been a noticeable change in HIPAA protections since COVID, with some practices not updating their policies.
• Certain medical records, especially in behavioral health, require extra protections under HIPAA.
• The Office of Civil Rights oversees HIPAA violations, not just Medicare.
• Explicit consent is required to disclose mental health information under HIPAA.
• The 21st Century Cures Act has implications for patient access to medical records.
• There are limitations on disclosing information that could lead to a patient being jailed.
• Practices need to ensure their staff is aware of updated compliance policies.
• HIPAA protections extend beyond the office and into patient interactions in public spaces.
• The healthcare industry is highly regulated, and changes in administration can impact compliance policies.