November 15, 2004

HIPAA Rules Being Challenged

An editorial on a case involving a child who survived a terrible attack, but who identity or presence in a public hospital was not disclosed to the public. A number of people who reportedly sought to offer aid and assistance to the child were refused any information on his whereabouts because of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The charge that the privacy restrictions some how caused harm are greatly over stated. The child was attacked and the information sought if freely available could have informed the attacker where a survivor of the crime was recovering. The need to protect patient’s privacy is an important goal not just for crime victims, but all who seek medical advice or assistance.

EDITORIAL: 'Privacy' law fails brave boy, Los Vegas Review Journal, November 13, 2004