2016 Amendments Permit Disclosure for Care Coordination Only Under State Law

One of the more challenging aspects of medical records management are federal and state legalities around release of substance abuse and mental health patient information. This year, the Iowa General Assembly passed legislation, Senate File 2144, to permit disclosure of otherwise confidential behavioral health information under Iowa law for care coordination purposes. SF 2144 was signed by Governor Branstad on April 6 and became effective on that day.Continue Reading Iowa Legislature Amends Behavioral Health Disclosure Laws

HIPAA AND FEES FOR MEDICAL RECORDS – Updated OCR guidance sets limits.

Physicians and other HIPAA covered entity providers are familiar with HIPAA’s rule on fees that may be charged when individuals request copies of their medical records. The federal Office of Civil Rights (OCR), the enforcement agency for the HIPAA Privacy Rule, recently released updated guidance directives on when fees may be imposed and limitations on costs that may be included in assessing such fees. Medical practices, especially those with separate HIPAA and non-HIPAA medical record fee schedules, may be surprised at what the OCR is now saying.Continue Reading HIPAA and Fees For Medical Records

Physician Practices Must Remain Vigilant in Responding to Subpoenas for Mental Health Information

Review of In the Interest of A.M. v. Thomas, Iowa Supreme Court, November 21, 2014

Summary. In a case it calls one of first impression, the Iowa Supreme Court upheld a subpoena to compel the testimony of a psychotherapist regarding the