If you're a licensed health care professional with your own practice, you already know that HIPAA governs how you manage your patient files. But what happens if you die or become disabled?

If you're a licensed health care professional with your own practice, like a doctor, dentist, psychologist, or chiropractor, you already know that HIPAA governs how you manage your patient files. But what happens if you die or become disabled? Privacy laws still protect your patients' files and HIPAA requires that your patients be informed if someone else is going to see their files. We recommend including a paragraph in your service agreement that names a colleague who is also covered by HIPAA as your "business affiliate" (or some other term) who will take custody of your patient files, notify patients of your death or disability, and assist with the sale or other winding up of your practice so that your practice remains HIPAA compliant and your patients' privacy remains protected.

If we can be of service to you, your friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today. We practice law in Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference for the convenience of our clients.