1. Requests to Restrict Use or Disclosure
A patient has the right to request that YOU restrict use or disclosure of PHI for treatment/payment/health care operations
You are NOT required to agree
June 2014
HIPAA - Restrictions

2. Requests to Restrict Use or Disclosure
Recommendation: Ask that all requests be in writing (if done, you must inform the requestor of this)
Recommendation - request form is
Dated
Signed in ink with an original signature
Recommendation – you provide a confirmation to the patient that the request was received (consider a dated, signed copy of the request back to the patient)
June 2014
HIPAA - Restrictions

3. Approving a Request for Restriction
If you agree, you may not use or disclose PHI except for emergency treatment
If used for emergency treatment, only to that extent needed
Recommendation: approval should be in writing to requestor and included with requestor’s file
June 2014
HIPAA - Restrictions

4. Terminating a Restriction
IF original requestor agrees to or requests termination in writing OR
IF original requestor agrees orally AND oral agreement is documented OR
IF you inform the original requestor that you are terminating agreement
ONLY effective to PHI created or received after the date you have informed the requestor
Recommendation: Do it in writing and file with requestor’s PHI
June 2014
HIPAA - Restrictions

5. Handling a Request for Restriction
HCP must document the title of persons or offices responsible for receiving and processing these requests
Recommendation: Include this contact info with communications to individual requesting access
June 2014
HIPAA - Restrictions

6. Requests for Confidential Communications
HCP must accommodate reasonable requests for individuals to receive communications of PHI
By alternative means
At alternative locations
You may NOT require an explanation of the basis for the request
June 2014
HIPAA - Restrictions

7. Requests for Restrictions
You may ask that all requests be in writing
Recommendation - request form is
Dated
Signed in ink with an original signature
Recommendation – you provide a confirmation to the patient that the request was received (consider a dated, signed copy of the request back to the patient)
June 2014
HIPAA - Restrictions

8. Requests for Restrictions
You may condition your approval of the request on:
Information on how payment, if any, will be handled
Specification of an alternative address or other method of contact
Examples:
Designated address or phone #
Closed envelope vs. a postcard
No phone messages or a limited message
June 2014
HIPAA - Restrictions

9. Request for Confidential Communication
Examples:
Designated address or phone #
Closed envelope vs. a postcard
No phone messages or a limited message
June 2014
HIPAA - Privacy Practices Notice