What Does the HIPAA Security Rule Say?
For starters, HIPAA’s Privacy Rule is designed “to assure that individuals’ health information is properly protected while allowing the flow of health information needed to provide and promote high-quality health care and to protect the public’s health and well-being.”
The rule applies to people in medical-related fields including: insurance, medical providers, and medical billing agents only.
HIPAA is often misunderstood because it doesn’t protect personal health information in every situation. “HIPAA only governs certain kinds of entities — your clinician, hospital, or others in the health care sphere.” It does not apply to the average person or to a business outside health care. It doesn’t give someone personal protection against ever having to disclose their health information.
While vaccine cards would normally be protected information, many businesses don’t operate under HIPAA laws. So that means stores, schools, and travel providers may have the legal right to ask if you’ve been vaccinated before helping you.
If you would like general information about HIPAA, click to view the HIPAA page. Or, if you would like information regarding Travis County’s HIPAA Policies, or to report a suspected privacy concern, contact the HIPAA Compliance and Privacy Officer.
