Title
Human Resources Department recommending the Board approve the Board of Supervisors Policy L-1, Protected Health Information (HIPAA): General, sunset date extension to March 31, 2023.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) was enacted in 1996 to create a national standard to protect and enhance the rights of individuals by providing access to their health information and to control and limit the use and disclosure of protected health information (“PHI”). As a covered entity, El Dorado County is required to maintain written documentation of individual rights with respect to PHI. Updates to the policy are required to ensure compliance with current HIPAA requirements.
El Dorado County is designated as a covered hybrid entity, defined by HIPAA as an organization that uses or discloses protected health information for only a part of its business operations, and is required to comply with 45 CFR § 160-164. Privacy regulations, under 45 CFR §164.105, require hybrid entities to implement formal written policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Rule.
On January 23, 2007, the Board approved and adopted the El Dorado County Privacy Policies in compliance with HIPAA. On August 29, 2017, the Board approved and adopted the revised El Dorado County Privacy Policy (Policy L-1) with a sunset date of August 29, 2021.
On August 31, 2021, the Board extended the sunset date for the El Dorado County Privacy Policy (Policy L-1) with a new sunset date of June 30, 2022.
On June 28, 2022, the Board extended the sunset date for the El Dorado County Privacy Policy (Policy L-1) with an extended sunset date of December 31, 2022.
The issue before the Board is the extension of the December 31, 2022, sunset date for Policy L-1. Human Resources/Risk management has contracted with an outside attorney to update the current policy and bring the County into compliance with current laws. The Policy has u...
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