HHS issued a limited waiver of HIPAA sanctions and penalties during Hurricane Harvey, which HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, declared a public health emergency in Texas Aug. 26 and Louisiana Aug. 28.
The HIPAA Privacy Rule cannot be suspended during emergencies. However, the HHS secretary may waive certain provisions to allow covered entities to share patient information to assist in disaster relief efforts and patient care.
“Often questions arise about the ability of entities covered by the HIPAA regulations to share information, including with friends and family, public health officials and emergency personnel,” the HHS bulletin reads.
Source: HHS releases limited HIPAA waiver during Hurricane Harvey: 5 things to know / Beckers Health IT