By now, you've heard about the new Privacy Rule for the handling of health care information.  On April 14, 2003, all health care providers who transmit medical information electronically had to be Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) compliant. Providers include health plans, health care clearinghouses, hospitals, and pharmacies.  Nationwide standards for electronic processing and tracking of patient information are regulated by guidelines adopted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

For the first time, patients have more control over their medical records.  And patients have a federal guarantee that their medical records and personal health information cannot be shared with anyone without the patient's specific authorization.  Patients can now make informed choices about how their medical information is to be used.  Patients also have the right to examine a copy of their own health records and to request that appropriate corrections be made to those records.

Mallinckrodt Institute at Washington University in St. Louis values our patients' rights to privacy and strictly adheres to the federal HIPPA guidelines and Privacy Rule.

Click here for more information on Washington University's policies concerning HIPAA guidelines and the Privacy Rule.