What is a HIPAA Authorization / Release? 

​The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA") governs, in part, the disclosure of protected health information. HIPPA potentially creates issues for health care agents in that it prohibits the disclosure of protected health information until such agent is acting. Similarly, a patient's family may not receive protected health information without that patient issuing a HIPAA authorization or release authorizing the disclosure. The principal may limit the type of information released and revoke the authorization at any time. Without having a HIPAA authorization on file with the health care provider, the patient's agent, family, friends, and others involved in his or her care, or payment for care, may not receive protected information.
 
If you would like to meet with an estate planning attorney to discuss HIPAA, health care agents, and living wills, contact Adkins Law to arrange a free estate planning consultation. Adkins Law has locations in Huntersville and Ballantyne. 

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