HIPAA is Federal legislation that was made law by Congress in 1996. With all the advancements in electronic technology, Congress recognized the need for Federal privacy protections of individually identifiable health information and therefore has mandated privacy protections.
The HIPAA Privacy Rule, effective April 14, 2003, is aimed at safeguarding the privacy of our residents through increased accountability in the areas of privacy and security. The Privacy Rule establishes for the first time, a foundation for Federal protections for the privacy of Protected Health Information (PHI). The HIPAA Security Rule, effective April 20, 2005, becomes more specific and calls for protection of PHI in electronic formats.
Compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule is required for certain communities where The Massage Inc. services are offered as well as The Massage Inc.'s corporate & field offices because they transmit resident health information electronically related to health care claims, payment or coordination of benefits. (See The Massage Inc.'s Privacy Statement regarding electronic communications.) They are called Covered Entities. If you have any questions regarding a community and its applicability under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, please contact the Privacy Officer at 800- 696- 9747.
Below are the Notice of Privacy Practices:
English
The Massage Inc. already practices confidentiality and respect for resident privacy. The Privacy and Security Rule will provide an even greater opportunity for The Massage Inc. to monitor the safe keeping of our resident’s Protected Health Information (PHI). If you have any questions or comments regarding the Notice of Privacy Practices, please feel free to contact The Massage Inc.'s Privacy Officer at 800- 696- 9747.