The Tao of HIPAA

The Tao of HIPAA

So it came to pass that HIPAA became law and all in the land were stunned. The novice asked the HIPAA Master, "Please tell me what is the meaning of HIPAA?"

The Master paused, looked at the entrepreneur, and said "The medical information in your employee files does not belong to you. It is of your employee's and is the employee's. You must protect it as you would precious jewels. And you must implement HIPAA policies by April 14, 2004."

"But HIPAA Master, we have always thought of this as information as confidential", replied the novice.

"Ah Yes, perhaps you have, but now you must provide total security within and without," smiled the Master. "For it is written that only your HR people must have access to this precious data as the minimum necessary to do their appointed tasks."

The Master continued, "And you must allow your employee to see this information on request, and make changes they desire. You must also allow them to restrict access to it as they choose."

"And you must ask others you share this information with to treat it the same as you."

The HIPAA Master paused as he saw confusion in the eyes of the entrepreneur.

"But, Master," the novice cried. "If this is what is written it will definitely change the way we have been doing our healthcare plan!"

The Master smiled, "I see that you have begun to walk the path of HIPAA enlightenment."

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