The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has put into effect a rule that creates national standards for the privacy of patient medical records and other personal health information.
The privacy rule is extremely complex and lengthy and has had a profound impact on many physician practices. The rule requires substantial and costly changes in internal operations and health information systems, dealings with patients, and interactions with other health care providers and businesses.
DHHS published a final privacy rule on Aug. 14, 2002.