HIPAA does prevent telecommunicators from relaying information necessary for responding units to care for and treat patients.

HIPAA does prevent telecommunicators from relaying information necessary for responding units to care for and treat patients.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. HIPAA does not apply
• D. Telecommunicators are exempt

Answer: (B)

HIPAA’s Privacy Rule actually allows sharing needed information with those involved in treating a patient. In emergencies, telecommunicators can relay essential details to EMS and other responders so they can provide proper care, as long as only the minimum necessary information is shared. So the statement that HIPAA prevents relaying information for treatment is not correct. HIPAA does apply, but it permits these treatment-related disclosures; telecommunicators are not exempt from HIPAA, and it isn’t a blanket prohibition.

HIPAA’s Privacy Rule actually allows sharing needed information with those involved in treating a patient. In emergencies, telecommunicators can relay essential details to EMS and other responders so they can provide proper care, as long as only the minimum necessary information is shared. So the statement that HIPAA prevents relaying information for treatment is not correct. HIPAA does apply, but it permits these treatment-related disclosures; telecommunicators are not exempt from HIPAA, and it isn’t a blanket prohibition.