The privacy and security of patient health information is a top priority for patients and their families, health care providers and professionals, and the government. Federal laws require many of the key persons and organizations that handle health information to have policies and security safeguards in place to protect your health information — whether it is stored on paper or electronically.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules are the main Federal laws that protect your health information. You may have additional protections and health information rights under your State's laws. There are also Federal laws that protect specific types of health information, such as information related to Federally funded alcohol and substance abuse treatment.
What You Can Do To Protect Your Health Information
Health care professionals and the federal government take your health information privacy seriously. You should too.
What Patients Need to Know about EHRs
What Patients Need to Know about EHRs [PDF - 552 KB]. ONC brochure that providers can use to give patients more information about Electronic Health Records (EHRs).
How to File a Complaint
How to File a Complaint. OCR web page instructing patients in how to file a complaint if they believe any of their privacy rights or any of the HIPAA Rules have been violated.
Protecting Your Privacy and Identity
Protecting Your Privacy and Identity. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) web page to help consumers protect their personal information and identity.
Health IT: How to Keep Your Health Information Private and Secure
Health IT: How to Keep Your Health Information Private and Secure. ONC fact sheet instructing patients on how to secure their health information.
VIDEO - Your Health Information, Your Rights
VIDEO - Your Health Information, Your Rights. OCR video providing patients with insight into their health information rights under HIPAA.
VIDEOS - OCR Series of Patient Videos
VIDEOS - OCR Series of Patient Videos. OCR series of videos that explains to patients their rights and responsibilities under HIPAA.