HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Because our Section 125 plan reimburses participants for health care expenses, it is subject to the HIPAA regulations. The regulations for “small plans” like the CSI Flexible Benefits Plan are effective April 14, 2004.
The Privacy Rule portion of HIPAA creates national standards regarding Protected Health Information (PHI), which is defined as individually identifiable health information that is created or received by a provider, health plan or insurer, a data clearinghouse, a health authority, employer, school, or university. PHI can be maintained or transmitted in any form or medium. It relates to the past, present or future: condition of an individual’s physical or mental health, health care provided to an individual; or payment for the health care provided to an individual.
 
The Privacy Rules govern how entities covered under HIPAA, such as the CSI Flexible Benefits Plan, use and share PHI. The rules also include provisions to help individuals understand and control how their health information is used.
This federal law requires distribution of documents to individuals covered by the CSI Flexible Benefits Plan. In compliance with the law, please distribute this Update and the attached Notice of Privacy Practices to each participant.

The CSI Flexible Benefits Plan is compliant with HIPAA regulations and CSI Staff will continue to protect your health information. If you have questions, contact Brian Meekhof by phone at 877-274-8796, ext. 237, or by e-mail at .

Full Issue: No. 45 - April 13, 2004

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