Learn Hipaa Laws
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HIPAA law and husband?
I went into my university’s health center for my annual exam and brought my husband with me. As soon as they called my name, we both stood up and she immediately told my husband he could not accompany me for my visit.
Since I am a physician’s daughter and had worked in the industry before- I questioned her reasoning. She stated it was because of the HIPAA law that he could not come back with me. I understand that HIPAA is in place to protect the patient, but seriously– I was freaking out anyway about my woman’s annual and just wanted my husband with me for support.
Later, I asked my brother because he is a medical student and he said he had learned all about the rules of HIPAA and had never heard of disallowing spouses. Any idea what this was about??
Obviously the person who refused to allow your husband to accompany you is ignorant of the details of the HIPAA law. You, the patient, are permitted to give your information to anyone you see fit. The law prevents health care providers from disseminating the info to others without your expressed permission. There is nothing in the law that proscribes your spouse from being in the examination room with you.
HITECH ACT – 2010 Changes in HIPAA Law
