OBJECTIVES: Social workers in key management positions in private and public healthcare services need a comprehensive understanding of the implications of the regulations surrounding the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. HIPAA requirements focus on three key areas: (1) standard transactions, (2) privacy of individually identifiable healthcare information, and (3) security. HIPAA regulations apply to various covered entities, including providers such as individual or group practitioners, treatment centers, hospitals, home health care agencies, disease management programs, employee assistance programs, and any other treatment providers that maintain patient identification and/or health records on paper or in electronic format. Compliance requirements are extensive and failure to comply can result in significant civil penalties for the institution and possible criminal penalties for the chief executive. METHODS: This session will discuss the components of the three key areas of HIPAA. Particular attention will be given to the unique issues related to community and social services and behavioral health services. Examples of compliance assessments and actions will be offered for discussion. Situational examples will be discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Social workers acting in a management capacity for any treatment provider must take immediate action to meet compliance requirements before the effective dates in 2002 and 2003.
Learning Objectives: 1. The participant will be able to verbalize the three key components of the HIPAA regulations. 2. The participant will be able to describe a minimum of two elements of a health care provider that define a covered entity. 3. The participant will be able to outline a minimum of two initial steps in HIPAA compliance. 4. The pariticipant will be able to verbalize the effective dates of HIPAA compliance.
Keywords: Health Care, Regulations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.