California Dental Association

This article provides an overview of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act – how it is applicable to dental offices, the various rules that apply, such as the Privacy Rule and the Security Rule, and information on how to comply.

HIPAA was modified in 2009 with the passage of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. A summary of the changes can be found both in this article and in "HITECH Act Revises Certain HIPAA Provisions."

Your notice of privacy practices and business associate agreements should be updated to include the changes.  Sample language and forms are available from the American Dental Association in its new kit, ADA Practical Guide to HIPAA Compliance: Privacy and Security Kit (2010).

Updated May 2010

Additional resources:

• HIPAA Q&A
• HITECH Act Revises Certain HIPAA Provisions
• HIPAA Security Rule - A Summary
• Privacy Practices Notice and Acknowledgement
• Patient Records - Requirements and Best Practices