Changes in HIPAA Privacy Practice Notices Require Providers to Update Notice (SNF/AL)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a Final Rule to modify the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule. In response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the Biden-Harris Administration modified the HIPAA Privacy Rule to protect access and privacy of reproductive health care. This Final Rule strengthens privacy protections by prohibiting disclosure of protected health information by a covered health care provider, health plan or health care clearinghouse related to civil, criminal or administrative liability associated with reproductive health. Although this Final Rule is rarely relevant in long-term care, providers are required to update their Privacy Practice Notices under the Final Rule modifications.