What Happens if a Patient Refuses to Sign the HIPAA Form?

The law requires that we ask the patient to acknowledge receipt of the Notice of Privacy Practices. The law does not require the patient to sign the “acknowledgment of receipt of the notice.” Signing does not mean that the patient agreed to any special uses or disclosures of the patient’s records. When a patient refuses to sign to sign the acknowledgment does not prevent you from using or disclosing health information as HIPAA permits.

HIPAA’s Privacy Rule and Information Use

HIPAA’s Privacy Rule allows covered entities to use and disclose protected health information for treatment, payment, and operations.

• Treatment
• Payment
• Healthcare Operations

Providers must understand these uses to remain HIPAA compliant. This protects patient privacy and supports necessary information exchanges.

Upcoming Changes to Privacy Practices

The Office of Civil Rights is considering a number of changes to be released this year. One of those changes is to remove the requirement to obtain written confirmation of receipt of the organization’s Notice of Privacy Practices. Once this is in effect, our office will notify you.

Additional Information

Read more here: Notice of Privacy Practices

It is important to know how to stay compliant when a patient refuses to sign the HIPAA form.

Have any questions?