HIPAA Privacy
Policy Statement Concerning the Medical Information Privacy, Security and Electronic Data Interchange Standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
To Our Valued Clients, Insureds and Associates:
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, known as HIPAA was enacted not only to improve accessibility of health coverage, it also establishes standards for the protection and use of health care information, and standards and codes for electronic processing. Late December, 2000, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published final regulations to implement the privacy requirements of HIPAA.
The regulations are effective beginning in April 2003 and regulate the handling of “IIHI”, Individually Identifiable Health Information. These regulations will affect most entities involved in the financing or delivery of health care including service providers, health plans, insurers and third party administrators.
Patient Advocates, LLC has always approached with sensitivity and understanding the issue of patient confidentiality and will continue to do so. Safeguarding medical privacy and individually identifiable health information is the very essence of Patient Advocates. We have never sought to compile, market, profile or otherwise use IIHI for any reason unrelated to the administration of our clients’ benefit programs – this is the standard now imposed nationally by HIPAA. Our HIPAA Privacy and Security Officer, along with the executive level implementation team ensure that every aspect of our operations is compliant with HIPAA’s specific requirements.
Please direct inquiries to:
Patient Advocates, LLC
Attn: HIPAA Privacy Officer
235 Portland Rd
PO Box 1959
Gray, ME 04039