HIPAA

A Great Starting Point!

Searchable Answers to over 200 Questions by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Also an Excellent Resource:

This list was updated on May 24, 2017.


Interpretation of Regulations

The HIPAA regulations are federal regulations enforced and interpreted by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Texas State Board of Pharmacy is not in a position to interpret these federal regulations. Using the links on this page should answer almost all your questions.


What is HIPAA?

Patient Privacy & Payment Transactions

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) required the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to issue regulations governing health care entities that engage in electronic health care transactions. HIPAA regulations apply both to the form of electronic health care transactions and the privacy of patient information. Compliance with the regulations concerning payment transactions is now required unless an extension was granted. Compliance with patient privacy regulations is mandated for April 2003.


State Law

Chapter 181 of the Health and Safety Code is the state law that governs privacy of patient information. Section 181.004 states:

Sec. 181.004.  APPLICABILITY OF STATE AND FEDERAL LAW. 

(a)  A covered entity, as that term is defined by 45 C.F.R. Section 160.103, shall comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and Privacy Standards.

(b)  Subject to Section 181.051, a covered entity, as that term is defined by Section 181.001, shall comply with this chapter.

Chapter 181, including Section 181.152, Marketing Uses of Information.