HHS RELEASES HIPAA BULLETIN IN WAKE OF CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
HealthLeaders Media
Following the public health emergency (PHE) declaration in the state of California due to wildfires, HHS released a bulletin covering HIPAA waivers and disclosures during emergency situations.
Under PHE circumstances, HHS Secretary Alex Azar has exercised the authority to waive sanctions and penalties against a covered entity (CE) that does not comply with the following 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
The requirement to honor...