PERAC Memo #18 - 2003: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
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This memo notifies boards that PERAC reviewed its authorization forms in light of HIPAA, clarifying that while PERAC and retirement boards are not "covered entities" under HIPAA, they must still use proper signed authorizations to obtain medical information from covered entities (hospitals, physicians, etc.). Boards should adopt and use the enclosed revised authorization form when requesting or sharing medical information for disability and other case processing under G.L. c. 32, §§ 6, 7, and 8, to avoid delays in obtaining records.
Full Text
Memorandum # 18/2003
M E M O R A N D U M TO: All Retirement Boards FROM: Joseph E. Connarton, Executive Director RE: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
DATE: June 5, 2003
As a result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Public Employee Retirement Commission is reviewing existing privacy policies affecting the use/disclosure/sharing of information. Authorization forms currently being used by PERAC and the retirement boards were part of this review.
It is important to note that PERAC and the retirement boards are not covered entities under HIPAA, however, because we deal with covered entities (hospitals, medical clinics, physician’s offices etc.) we must have appropriate, signed authorization forms to access medical information from these covered entities.
The attached form is similar in format to authorization forms now being used by entities in the medical community. You should use this form when requesting/sharing information so that access to important information required under G.L. c. 32, §§ 6, 7, and 8 can be obtained without delay.
We trust the foregoing is of assistance. If you have questions please contact Barbara Lagorio, Director of the Disability Unit, at 617-591-8952.