HIPAA Regulations: Updates and Guidelines for Today's RTs and Imaging Professionals

Deborah Greer M. Ed, RT(R)(M)*

^*Clinical Coordinator Radiography, CT and MR, Mercer County Community College West Windsor, NJ.

Address correspondence to: Deborah Greer, MEd, RT(R)(M). E-mail: debgreer724@msn.com.  

Disclosure statement: The author reports having no significant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.

ABSTRACT

One of the reasons the Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was established was to protect a patient's health information and to maintain patient confidentiality and autonomy. It is the responsibility of radiologic technologists (RTs), as well as any healthcare provider, to adhere to HIPAA laws and regulations, as well as be aware of any additions or updates to them in their everyday practice and in regards to evolving technology. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) as well as the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) have developed a Code of Ethics and Standards of Ethics, respectively, that encourage compliance with HIPAA guidelines for protecting patients' health information. In order to uphold them both, RTs of all modalities should be well versed with such regulations and changes to the law. All members of the healthcare team should also be thoroughly educated about the seriousness of violating HIPAA laws and the consequences they may suffer for failing to do so. This course will review and clarify HIPAA regulations, including all aspects of the law that pertain to the healthcare environment. It will also describe how HIPPA laws and updates apply to evolving technology in the medical field, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting evolution of telemedicine. All HIPAA updates that have been necessary in order to comply with today's ever changing and improving electronic technology will also be addressed.