HIPAA Privacy Rule: Disclosures for Emergency Preparedness-A Decision Tool

Citation
Department of Health and Human Services, HIPAA Privacy Rule: Disclosures for Emergency Preparedness-A Decision Tool (July 5, 2006)

Overview
This is a Web-based interactive decision tool designed to assist emergency preparedness and recovery planners in determining how to access and use health information about persons with disabilities consistent with the HIPAA Privacy Rule.

The tool will guide emergency preparedness and recovery planners through a series of questions regarding how the HIPAA Privacy Rule applies to a particular disclosure. By helping users focus on the source of the information being disclosed, to whom it is being disclosed, and for what purpose, users will better meet the needs of the elderly or persons with disabilities in the event of an evacuation.

While the tool's initial purpose focused on emergency planning for persons with disabilities, it is applicable to most emergency planning efforts. The intended audiences include covered entities as well as emergency preparedness and [[recovery planners at the local, state and federal levels.