On April 3, 2008, I will be discussing some of the most common HIPAA misinterpretations and burning questions still out there at a Compliance Seminar organized and offered through the NJ Medical Society of New Jersey.   Among the specific questions I will cover are:

• When can information be released to a patient’s relatives and friends?
• Can medical records be released pursuant to a subpoena?
• Is a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement required for all vendors?
• Should medical records be taken home?
• How long should I keep medical records? billing records? administrative records?
• Do I have to notify patients of accidental disclosures?  What about security breaches?
• What should I do if a HIPAA complaint is filed against my practice?
• What are the benefits and risks with participating in a electronic health information exchange with a hospital or other provider?

For further information about the Compliance Seminar, visit: http://www.msnj.org/practicemanagers/Education.aspx