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March 17, 2003 Contact: Susan Columbus, Acting DHS Privacy Officer (503) 945-5851 Thousands of Oregonians to receive privacy notices under new federal law Oregonians will soon have more say over what happens to their private health information. More than 500,000 Oregonians served by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) statewide will be mailed privacy notices in early April, detailing new sweeping protections over the privacy of their health records. To save postage, this information will be inserted into regular health card mailings that go to affected clients. The protections come as a result of a federal law, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The privacy portion of that law becomes effective nationwide April 14, 2003. The act, passed by Congress, is the first comprehensive federal protection of patient privacy. It impacts the entire health care industry, hospitals, doctors' offices, health plans, government, and others. DHS is covered by the new law. "The new law gives all of us the right to know and the right to say no in sharing our personal information," said Jean I. Thorne, DHS director. DHS has always recognized the importance of keeping client information private, according to Thorne. "The new rules will strengthen the safeguards DHS already has in place, while still allowing information sharing to continue to accomplish our work," she said. The new law empowers individuals by guaranteeing them access to their health records. It also gives them more control over how this information is used and disclosed and provides clear recourse if this information is compromised. DHS has developed new forms and policies to ensure these protections. For example, clients will now be asked to give specific authorization before entities, such as DHS, could use or disclose their health information in most non-routine circumstances. The law mandates clients be provided with a written notice of DHS privacy practices and client privacy rights. DHS Medicaid clients and those in direct care settings all over the state will be receiving notices in early April. Privacy notices will also be posted in all DHS offices. The privacy notice is available at the DHS Web site, by phone (503) 945-5780, and at all DHS field offices. (Reporters note: If you need additional assistance in setting up an interview or for other related media help, contact DHS HIPAA communications at 503-945-5859. )  See
also HIPAA frequently asked questions |
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