At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What are the Different Types of HIPAA Compliance Forms?
HIPAA compliance forms are pieces of documentation that help medical facilities and other businesses comply with the provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA. This federal law helps to protect the information of patients who are receiving medical care. All kinds of medical businesses take HIPAA compliance very seriously, and specific penalties apply to cases of misuse of patient data. HIPAA covers all kinds of medical environments, including inpatient and outpatient locations, and good compliance requires coordinated efforts at many different levels, where HIPAA forms can help streamline compliance efforts.
One of the most common and simple HIPAA compliance forms is a notice of privacy practices. This form is basically an informational brochure for patients that informs them of the provisions of HIPAA. You might see these forms in doctor’s offices, hospitals or other places where people seek medical care.
Another general HIPAA form is an authorization to release information. Patients sign these if they wish their information to be released to other medical businesses or other parties. A patient may need to sign one of these forms, for example, if they are switching doctors or relating health information to a specialist.
Along with these kinds of HIPAA compliance forms, there’s also a kind of informal document called a HIPAA checklist. A HIPAA checklist would provide all necessary compliance protocols in a list fashion to help managers remember how to prioritize compliance. Medical offices might make these HIPAA checklists on their own, since they are not required, and do not need to be standardized the way some other HIPAA forms are.
Another class of HIPAA compliance forms are called patient request forms. Some of these include a patient request for review of PHI (Patient Health Information), and a patient request for accounting of disclosures, where a patient might want to know if any other parties did receive any of their data from a medical office. There’s also another form for patient requests for restrictions on disclosures.
Other kinds of HIPAA compliance forms include access logs or tracking forms, as well as other paperwork related to amending any part of a patient’s official chart or record. All of these forms help medical businesses keep patient data safe and secure. HIPAA compliance also includes being careful with verbal patient information within the office area. Medical office managers usually know all about the various ways that their office attempt to comply fully with this stringent regulation.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![HIPAA compliance forms are just one of the legal standards medical staff must abide by in order to avoid lawsuits.]()
By: endostockHIPAA compliance forms are just one of the legal standards medical staff must abide by in order to avoid lawsuits. -
![HIPAA ensures that only a limited number of necessary individuals can see a patient's medical records.]()
By: Tom WangHIPAA ensures that only a limited number of necessary individuals can see a patient's medical records. -
![A patient must sign an authorization to release information if they would like for their health information to be released to other medical businesses.]()
By: Monkey BusinessA patient must sign an authorization to release information if they would like for their health information to be released to other medical businesses.
Discussion Comments
@runner101 - I know in some states they talk to your "guardian" if you are unable to make informed decisions. However, as far as to who is considered your guardian? I am not sure when you enter the realm of adulthood who that would be considered...
@Sinbad - I have agree and have a thought on that subject of release of information...
If something were to happen to you and you were not able to make informed decisions and you had not signed a HIPAA form for release of information, would the doctors and medical staff have to tell someone else that could make an informed decision for them or could they not do that because you had not signed a HIPAA form for release of information?
Or is that a whole different ball game of paperwork and procedures?
From working in healthcare and from family experience I think that the HIPAA compliance form that is most important is the HIPAA release form that authorizes the medical place to give out your information to the people that you have designated.
I think it is important because if you have it signed before you have something done then whatever happens while you are being cared for the doctors and nurses or other medical staff can discuss the results with someone who can help you following your medical stay.
However, if they are only finding information from you about what happened, there may be some important information that you forgot secondary to the stress or overload of information.
With the doctors and medical staff being able to tell someone else the results then I think between the both of you, the information has a better chance of being remembered and followed.
@Monika - I find that most people aren't that familiar with HIPAA. However, as the article stated, you have a right to see your health information.
A lot of people think that doctors charts and your records are secret or something. However, you actually do have the right to look at all that stuff. If you're curious, ask your doctors office for the form and fill it out so you can take a look at your patient health information!
Interesting. My doctor has me sign a notice of privacy practices every time I'm in the office, it seems! Although I have to admit, I usually just skim it.
I actually took a class awhile back where I learned about health insurance, so I'm pretty well aware of HIPAA regulations.
However, I would urge anyone who isn't familiar with HIPAA to actually take the time to read the forms. You have to be your own advocate sometimes, and it's good to be informed about the privacy practices. That way if your doctors office does something to violate your privacy, you'll know for sure if it violates HIPAA and the privacy forms you signed.
Post your comments