HIPAA Regulations at the Pharmacy
The Federal privacy regulations known as HIPAA (Health Information Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) are enforced by the US Department of Health and Human Services. This law requires medical professionals, including hospitals, doctors, nurses, nursing homes, as well as pharmacies, to protect the privacy of patients’ individual health information. As long as the patient does not object, the pharmacist or pharmacy technician may share or discuss the patients health information with those involved in the patients’ care, including family, friends, or others. This could include letting the patient's spouse, who called in the refills, know that the prescription was expired or that there were no refills (as long as the patient does not object.)
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