Model Privacy Notice for Physician Practice

Today the government released model notices of privacy practices (NPP) that medical practices can use as templates when updating their NPP for patients. Changes are necessary to comply with the current HIPAA rules that become effective September 23, 2013. The notice from the Office of Civil Rights, the government agency responsible for enforcing the HIPAA rules, says:

Why Use These Model Notices?

The HIPAA Privacy Rule gives individuals a right to be informed of the privacy practices of health plans and health care providers and of their privacy rights regarding their personal health information. Health plans and covered health care providers (covered entities) are required by HIPAA to develop and distribute a notice that provides a clear, user-friendly explanation of these rights and practices.

These model Notices can help providers and plans by
* reflecting the regulatory changes of the Omnibus Rule
* serving as the baseline for covered entities working to come into compliance with the new requirements

We have been asked a number of times for a model form by our clients. Now you can view and download these model notices at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/modelnotices.html