Health Information Privacy

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Public Law 104-191, is a Federal law that sets rules and regulations about who can look at and receive health information about an individual. The law also gives patient’s rights over their health information.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights has excellent information and pamphlets about the privacy law and your rights available at the following web site: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa.

The toll-free HIPAA number is (866) 627-7748 or write to:

  • Office for Civil Rights
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • 200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
  • Room 509F, HHH Building
  • Washington, D.C. 20201

For the hearing impaired, please contact the toll-free TDD line: (800) 537-7697. The web site also has contact information for submitting complaints.