A parent has the right to receive a copy of psychotherapy notes about a child’s mental health treatment.

The Privacy Rule permits a doctor to disclose necessary information about a patient to law enforcement or family members when the doctor believes the patient might hurt themselves or someone else.

Written permission is always required, for a doctor to be able to talk to a patient’s family members regarding their health.

If a patient is incapacitated or if it is an emergency circumstance, a doctor can disclose information if they determine that doing so is in the best interest of the patient as long as they only disclose what is necessary and relevant to the situation.

HIPAA violations can be settled as a financial penalty as well as a criminal penalty where the parties involved can serve up to 10 years in jail.

With advancement in technology, computers have made patient confidentiality easier to protect.

It is acceptable to send copies of patient health records via email, or to disclose healthcare information in emails as long as the patient has given permission and the email is encrypted.

It is permissible for physician’s offices to use patient sign-in sheets or call out patient names in

waiting rooms.

If a Patient refuses a Notice of Privacy Practices, healthcare services cannot be provided.