New HIPPA Guidance

“Guidance Issued on Refill Reminders and Other Medication Adherence Communications under the HITECH Act Omnibus Rule. You can access the new guidance materials at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/.

The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued guidance on how the changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule’s marketing provisions under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act and Omnibus Rule apply to refill reminders and other communications about drugs or biologics currently being prescribed for individuals.  The new Fact Sheet and corresponding Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) explain how the refill reminder exception to the marketing rule works, and address both the scope of communications that fall within the exception, as well as the types of third party payments that are considered “reasonable” under the statute and regulations for making such communications.  In addition, the Secretary has decided, as an exercise of her discretion, not to enforce the restrictions on remunerated refill reminders and other communications about drugs and biologics for a period of 45 days following the September 23, 2013, compliance date, or until November 7, 2013. Also released are new fact sheets and FAQs that provide guidance on the Omnibus Rule changes to how the HIPAA Privacy Rule applies to decedent information and disclosures of proof of student immunizations to schools.” [Source: PrivaPlan]

Free medication safety leaflets for consumers

"The Institute of Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has free consumer leaflets available on their website that describe a variety of commonly used high-alert medications, including warfarin, fentanyl patches, insulin, and more. Each includes key tips for how to take the medications and when to contact a physician. The leaflets can be reproduced for free distribution to consumers. (Note: Free registration is required to get access to the leaflets.)"  [Source: Colorado Rural Health Center]