045 – HIPAA: Key Basics & 5 FAQs for Family Caregivers

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains what all family caregivers should know about the HIPAA Privacy Rule, and your options for getting doctors to share information about an older relative’s health. She covers:

• Why it’s so common for families to need health information from a relative’s doctors
• What is the HIPAA Privacy Rule
• When are doctors allowed to disclose health information to family members and others
• When are doctors required to disclose health information
• What is a HIPAA release or authorization, and when is it necessary?
• Options for communicating with doctors despite an older person’s objections or refusal
• When to consider an older person’s decision-making capacity
• How a durable power of attorney for healthcare can enable a family member to obtain information
• Practical tips for family caregivers

Related episode: 

038 – FAQs On “Incompetence” & Losing Decision Capacity

Related Resources:

• 10 Things to Know About HIPAA & Access to a Relative’s Health Information
• American Bar Association: Ten Legal Tips for Caregivers
• Your Rights Under HIPAA
• A Patient’s Guide to the HIPAA Privacy Rule: When Health Care Providers May Communicate About You
  with Your Family, Friends, or Others Involved In Your Care
• HIPAA FAQs for Individuals
• HIPAA FAQs for Professionals: Disclosures to Family and Friends
• Individuals’ Right under HIPAA to Access their Health Information (Includes FAQs)
• HIPAA and Patient Privacy: A conversation with Leon Rodriguez of the Office of Civil Rights
• Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule
• Incompetence & Losing Capacity: Answers to 7 FAQs