Notice of Privacy Practices

Policy

This policy applies to all DOEA employees, volunteers, agents and Business Associates that perform duties in conjunction with the access, distribution, dissemination, modification, and management of Protected Health Information (PHI).

It is DOEA’s policy to ensure compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule by providing a Notice of Privacy Practices to outline the Department’s uses and disclosures of Protected Health Information (PHI) and its privacy practices.

Violation of this or any other DOEA Privacy policy is to be communicated to the Department’s Privacy Officer, Office of the General Counsel.

Procedures

DOEA is required to provide adequate notice to recipients of the uses and disclosures of PHI it may make. DOEA must document its compliance with the notice requirements by retaining copies of the notices it issues.

Specific Components/Considerations:

DOEA will promptly revise and distribute the Notice of Privacy Practices whenever there is a material change to uses and disclosures, the recipient’s rights, DOEA’s legal duties, or other privacy practices stated in the Notice. It shall also be placed on the DOEA website.

  • Notice must be in plain language and include:
    1. Information regarding uses and disclosures of PHI
    2. Clarification of a recipient’s privacy rights
    3. DOEA’s responsibilities under the Privacy Rule
    4. How to file complaints with DOEA or the Secretary of DHHS
    5. Name, title and phone number of the designated contact for more information on DOEA’s privacy practices
    6. Effective date of the notice
  • Violations must be reported to the DOEA Privacy Officer, Office of the General Counsel.

Notice of Privacy Practices: English Spanish

Authority and Responsibilities

The HIPAA Administrator has developed the initial and will develop future revised Notice of Privacy Practice with a plan on distribution.

The DOEA Privacy Officer, the Office of the General Counsel, will approve and authorize the Notice and plan.

Notice changes and distribution plans will be provided to all clients, employees, volunteers, and Business Associates, consistent with the plan.

All clients, employees, volunteers, and Business Associates will receive the notice and any changes made thereafter.

Reference:

45 CFR §164.520