Hospital Disaster Preparedness

Will HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) be suspended during a national or public health emergency?

This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.

Federal statutes and regulations cannot be waived or suspended by the Governor. However, during a catastrophic disaster, the Governor may make a request to the federal Secretary of Health and Human Services requesting waiver of specific federal statutes and regulations. The following provisions could be waived.

  • Patients Right to Request Privacy Restrictions and Confidential Communications – 45 CFR 164.522; 42 USC Section 1320b-5(b)(7)(C)
  • Requirement to Obtain Patient Consent to Speak with Family or Friends – 45 CFR 164.510
  • Requirement to Honor Opt-Out Request Obtain for Facility Directory – 45 CFR 164.510
  • Requirement to Distribute Notice – 45 CFR 164.520; 42 USC Section 1320b-5(b)(7)(B)