Guide to HIPAA Authorizations for Estate Planning and Probate
If you are planning for future medical decision-making or handling a loved one’s estate in Spencer, understanding HIPAA authorizations is an important step. A HIPAA authorization lets you name who can access a person’s protected health information and for what purposes, helping families coordinate care and make informed choices. This page explains how HIPAA authorizations fit into estate planning and probate in Van Buren County, what forms typically include, and common scenarios where obtaining clear, properly executed authorizations reduces delay and confusion. We also explain how to create durable, attorney-reviewed forms that honor the principal’s wishes while complying with federal privacy rules.
HIPAA authorizations are often included with medical powers of attorney and advance directives to ensure health information is available when it matters most. Without a valid HIPAA authorization, health care providers may refuse to share records with family members, caregivers, or agents appointed under other documents. For residents of Spencer and surrounding Tennessee communities, having coordinated estate planning documents means fewer obstacles when seeking medical records, communicating with hospitals, and making decisions. This guide highlights practical steps to prepare HIPAA authorizations that align with state and federal requirements and with the rest of an estate plan.
Why HIPAA Authorizations Matter for Estate Planning
A properly drafted HIPAA authorization provides legal permission for specified people to access medical records and speak with healthcare providers. This is especially important when a person cannot communicate directly due to illness or injury. In estate planning and probate matters, having clear authorizations reduces delays in treatment decisions, facilitates continuity of care, and helps those responsible for managing health-related matters respond quickly. Authorizations also limit conflict by spelling out who may obtain information and under what circumstances, which can be especially helpful during stressful events such as hospital stays, rehabilitation, or end-of-life care.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach in Tennessee
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients across Tennessee, including Spencer and Van Buren County, with practical legal guidance in estate planning and probate. Our approach focuses on clear communication and documents that reflect client priorities while complying with applicable medical privacy rules. We help families integrate HIPAA authorizations into advance directives, durable powers of attorney, and estate plans so health information flows appropriately during critical times. The firm provides straightforward advice tailored to local laws and common situations in our communities, and we work to make the process understandable and effective for every client we assist.
Understanding HIPAA Authorizations and How They Work
A HIPAA authorization is a voluntary, written permission that allows covered entities such as hospitals, clinics, and doctors to disclose protected health information to designated individuals or organizations. It typically names the person authorized to receive records, specifies the types of information to be released, and indicates the time period during which the authorization is effective. In estate planning, authorizations are coordinated with other documents so that agents or family members can access necessary information promptly. Understanding the structure and limits of these authorizations helps ensure they accomplish the client’s goals without unintentionally granting broader access than intended.
HIPAA authorizations must meet certain legal requirements to be valid, such as a clear description of the information to be released and an explicit statement of the authorization’s expiration or revocation process. They differ from a general release and are separate from powers of attorney, although the documents are often used together. For many families, a concise, well-drafted authorization prevents disputes and makes it easier for healthcare providers to communicate with the right people. In Tennessee, combining authorizations with other estate planning instruments ensures a coordinated plan for both health and property decisions.
What a HIPAA Authorization Actually Authorizes
A HIPAA authorization gives a named individual or entity permission to access protected health information that otherwise would remain private under federal law. The authorization describes who can receive the information, what types of records are covered, and any limits on the disclosure. It also typically states the purpose for which the information may be used and how long the authorization remains in effect. Because HIPAA protections are federal, properly drafted authorizations enable access across healthcare providers and systems, which is particularly important when someone receives care from multiple facilities or moves between providers.
Key Elements and Practical Steps for HIPAA Authorizations
When preparing a HIPAA authorization, include clear identification of the patient, the authorized recipient, the scope of information to be released, and the expiration date or event that ends the authorization. Provide instructions for revocation, and ensure signatures comply with any witnessing requirements. It is also wise to coordinate these elements with a medical power of attorney and living will so agents can act effectively. Once signed, copies should be provided to authorized individuals and kept with other estate planning documents to avoid confusion. Regular review keeps authorizations current as circumstances change.
Key Terms and Glossary for HIPAA Authorizations
Below are plain-language definitions of terms commonly used when discussing HIPAA authorizations and related estate planning documents. Understanding these definitions makes it easier to review forms and communicate preferences to healthcare providers and family members. The glossary clarifies how authorizations interact with powers of attorney, medical records, and the rights of patients to revoke permissions. Using consistent language in all documents avoids ambiguity and helps ensure the patient’s intent is honored by providers and those tasked with carrying out health and estate-related responsibilities.
Protected Health Information (PHI)
Protected Health Information, usually called PHI, refers to any information about health status, provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare that can identify an individual. PHI includes medical records, diagnosis details, treatment notes, and billing records. A HIPAA authorization specifies which portions of PHI may be disclosed to named recipients. Limiting the scope of PHI covered by an authorization can help maintain privacy while still allowing access to the records needed by agents or family members to make informed healthcare decisions on the patient’s behalf.
Authorization Expiration and Revocation
An authorization typically states when it will expire, whether by a specific date or after a defined event, such as the conclusion of a particular treatment. The right to revoke an authorization is also an important feature: the patient may cancel permission in writing at any time, subject to any actions taken by recipients while the authorization was in effect. Including clear instructions for revocation and distributing copies of that instruction to relevant parties minimizes confusion and helps manage who has access to PHI throughout the course of treatment or estate administration.
Agent Under a Medical Power of Attorney
An agent appointed under a medical power of attorney is the person authorized to make healthcare decisions on behalf of someone who cannot act for themselves. While a power of attorney empowers decision-making, separate HIPAA authorizations often still are required to allow that agent to obtain the patient’s medical records. Combining an authorization with a power of attorney removes barriers to communication with providers and ensures agents have the information necessary to carry out healthcare decisions in alignment with the patient’s wishes.
Covered Entity and Business Associate
Under HIPAA, covered entities include healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses that create, receive, maintain, or transmit PHI. Business associates are entities that perform services for covered entities and may handle PHI, such as billing companies or attorneys in certain contexts. An authorization must identify the types of covered entities or business associates authorized to release information. Being aware of who holds PHI and how to request records helps ensure authorizations reach the appropriate organizations when medical information is needed.
Comparing Limited Authorizations with Broader Approaches
Deciding whether to use a narrowly tailored HIPAA authorization or a broader, more permissive document depends on individual goals and concerns about privacy. A limited authorization can restrict access to specific records or a defined time period, which can be helpful for protecting sensitive information. A broader authorization simplifies access across providers and over time, reducing administrative hurdles for agents and family members. Evaluating the trade-offs, and how an authorization fits with powers of attorney and advance directives, helps families choose an approach that balances privacy with practical needs during healthcare and estate administration.
When a Limited HIPAA Authorization May Be Appropriate:
Protecting Sensitive Information
A limited authorization is useful when a patient wants to restrict access to particular categories of medical information, such as mental health records, substance abuse treatment, or certain diagnostic tests. This approach allows a patient to grant access for specific purposes or to certain individuals while keeping other information private. It is helpful for people who are concerned about broad disclosure but still want designated caregivers or family members to have the records necessary for defined tasks, like coordinating a particular episode of care or communicating with a treating specialist.
Short-Term or Event-Specific Needs
A limited authorization can be designed to cover a single event or short timeframe, such as release of records for a hospital admission, a legal proceeding, or consultation with a new provider. This prevents ongoing access once the event ends and minimizes long-term exposure of medical information. Using event-specific authorizations gives patients fine-grained control over who receives PHI and for what purpose, making it easier to grant temporary access to caregivers or professionals while preserving overall privacy in other situations.
When a Broader Authorization and Integrated Planning Are Beneficial:
Coordinating Multiple Documents and Providers
A comprehensive approach aligns HIPAA authorizations with medical powers of attorney, advance directives, and other estate planning documents to ensure consistent decision-making and information access across providers. This is especially beneficial when a person receives care from multiple institutions or when family caregivers need ongoing access to records. Integrating documents reduces administrative obstacles, clarifies the scope of authority for agents, and helps healthcare providers act on timely information without requests for repeated paperwork or legal verification.
Preparing for Complex or Long-Term Care Needs
When someone anticipates long-term care, chronic health conditions, or frequent interactions with several providers, a broader authorization simplifies access to records and communication between providers and family decision-makers. A well-coordinated set of documents prevents gaps in information flow that can delay treatment or complicate care transitions. Planning ahead with comprehensive documents also helps ensure decisions about health and finances are handled in a unified way that reflects the patient’s preferences and reduces stress for family members during difficult times.
Benefits of a Coordinated HIPAA Authorization Strategy
A coordinated approach to HIPAA authorizations and related estate planning documents brings clarity and efficiency to healthcare decision-making. By ensuring that the same individuals authorized to make decisions are also permitted to access medical records, families face fewer administrative obstacles. This alignment reduces delays in treatment and helps agents and providers access the information necessary to follow the patient’s wishes. Consistency across documents also reduces the chance of conflicting instructions or confusion among providers, family members, and legal representatives in Van Buren County and beyond.
Working with a coordinated plan can reduce stress and potential conflict by making roles and authorities explicit before a crisis occurs. When HIPAA authorizations are integrated with powers of attorney and advance directives, caregivers and medical personnel have a clearer path to obtaining necessary records and making decisions. This unified approach supports smoother transitions between care settings and helps ensure that privacy preferences are respected while essential information remains accessible to those who legitimately need it for healthcare and estate administration.
Faster Access to Medical Records
One immediate benefit of coordinated authorizations is faster access to medical records when time matters. Clear permissions let licensed providers share records with designated family members or agents without unnecessary delays, which can be critical during hospitalizations or medical emergencies. Faster information flow supports timely decision-making and helps reduce duplication of tests and procedures. For families in Spencer and surrounding areas, this practical advantage often translates into more efficient care coordination and less administrative burden during stressful circumstances.
Reduced Disputes and Administrative Burdens
By specifying clearly who can see what and when, comprehensive authorizations reduce potential disputes among relatives and caregivers. Clear documentation decreases the need for court involvement or lengthy verification processes, saving time and expense during probate or healthcare crises. Giving defined roles to agents and providing them with the necessary access also lightens administrative burdens on providers who otherwise must navigate ambiguous requests. The result is a smoother process for families managing both medical and estate matters.
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Practical Tips for HIPAA Authorizations
Keep Authorizations Specific and Clear
When drafting a HIPAA authorization, use clear language to name the individuals who may receive records and describe the scope of information permitted for release. Specificity reduces misunderstandings and limits unnecessary disclosure of sensitive details. State whether the authorization applies to all future records or only to records from a particular treatment or time period. Provide instructions for revocation and include contact information for communication about the document. Clear, specific authorizations are more likely to be accepted by providers and better protect privacy while still enabling necessary access.
Coordinate with Other Estate Planning Documents
Provide Copies to Relevant Parties
Give signed copies of your HIPAA authorization to the people named in the document, your primary care provider, and any facilities where care is likely to be received. Providers are more likely to release records promptly when they have a copy on file and can verify the authorization’s terms. Store original documents securely with other estate planning papers and let your agents know where to find them. Keeping distribution organized reduces delays during emergencies and helps ensure authorized individuals can act without unnecessary administrative hurdles.
Why Consider a HIPAA Authorization as Part of Your Estate Plan
Including a HIPAA authorization in an estate plan ensures that the people you trust can access medical records when needed to make informed healthcare decisions. Without this document, providers may refuse to share even basic medical information, which can hinder treatment coordination and decision-making. A properly executed authorization protects your privacy choices while granting essential access to caregivers, agents, or family members. For residents of Spencer and Van Buren County, taking this step reduces uncertainty in medical situations and supports smoother transitions between providers and care settings.
Beyond immediate access, a HIPAA authorization supports broader planning goals by linking health information access with powers of attorney and advance directives. When documents are aligned, agents can act on complete information and execute decisions that reflect the patient’s preferences. This continuity is particularly valuable for people with chronic conditions, those undergoing significant medical treatment, or anyone planning for future incapacity. Taking the time to put a clear authorization in place can prevent delays, reduce stress for loved ones, and make it easier for healthcare teams to follow the patient’s wishes.
Common Situations Where HIPAA Authorizations Are Important
HIPAA authorizations are often needed when a patient cannot act directly, such as during hospitalization, rehabilitation, or end-of-life care. They are also important when transferring care between facilities, consulting specialists, or handling requests for medical records in probate or insurance matters. Families dealing with long-term care transitions or managing chronic illnesses will likely benefit from clear authorizations that allow caregivers and agents to obtain necessary medical information. Preparing these documents ahead of time prevents delays at moments when timely access to records is essential.
Hospital Admissions and Emergencies
During hospital admissions or medical emergencies, quick access to medical history and records supports prompt and appropriate care. A valid HIPAA authorization makes it easier for designated family members or agents to communicate with medical staff, obtain test results, and provide necessary background information. This access helps clinicians make informed decisions and reduces the risk of redundant testing or treatment that could be avoided with timely records. Preparing an authorization before an emergency helps ensure the right people can assist when needed.
Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation
When a person transitions to long-term care or rehabilitation, coordinated access to medical records supports continuity of care between hospitals, nursing facilities, and outpatient providers. HIPAA authorizations ensure that the staff and family caregivers who manage appointments, medications, and therapies can obtain the necessary documentation. This is particularly helpful for tracking treatment plans, prior responses to therapies, and important clinical notes that inform ongoing care. Well-placed authorizations smooth these transitions and reduce administrative delays during placement or discharge processes.
Probate, Insurance, and Legal Matters
Medical records are often required during probate proceedings, insurance claims, or disputes where health information is relevant to estate administration or benefits determinations. A HIPAA authorization helps ensure authorized representatives can obtain necessary records efficiently without court orders or subpoenas in many cases. Having timely access to documentation also helps resolve questions about care, verify claims, and support the administration of an estate. Planning ahead with clear authorizations reduces obstacles for personal representatives and beneficiaries during probate and related matters.
Local HIPAA Authorization Assistance in Spencer, TN
If you live in Spencer or elsewhere in Van Buren County and are preparing estate planning documents, making a plan for HIPAA authorizations is an important step. Jay Johnson Law Firm provides practical guidance to help you draft clear, effective authorizations that work alongside medical powers of attorney and advance directives. We focus on creating documents that are simple to use, accepted by local providers, and tailored to your privacy preferences. Contact us to review your existing documents or to create a coordinated plan that supports decision-making and information access when it matters most.
Why Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for HIPAA Authorization Planning
Jay Johnson Law Firm understands the interaction between federal privacy rules and state estate planning needs in Tennessee. Our practice helps clients create HIPAA authorizations that are clear, practical, and aligned with other estate planning instruments. We emphasize straightforward communication and ensure that clients understand how their documents will operate in real situations. This approach helps families in Spencer and nearby communities avoid surprises when accessing medical information or making healthcare decisions on behalf of a loved one.
We assist with drafting authorizations that meet legal requirements while reflecting the client’s privacy preferences and real-world needs. This includes discussing who should be named, what records should be covered, and how to handle revocation or expiration. We also advise on distribution so authorized parties and common providers have copies on file. Practical steps like these reduce delays and make it easier for agents to act when medical information is needed for treatment or decision-making.
Our goal is to provide reliable guidance and clear documents that help families navigate medical and estate planning matters in Tennessee. If you need help reviewing a current authorization or integrating it into your estate plan, we can provide a thoughtful review and practical recommendations. We serve clients in Spencer, Van Buren County, and surrounding communities, and we focus on creating documents that families can use with confidence when the time comes.
Contact Jay Johnson Law Firm for HIPAA Authorization Assistance
How We Handle HIPAA Authorization Planning
Our process begins with a conversation to understand your healthcare preferences, family circumstances, and any providers involved. We review existing documents and recommend how to integrate HIPAA authorizations with powers of attorney and advance directives. After drafting tailored authorizations, we explain signing and distribution steps and provide copies for authorized individuals and healthcare providers. This methodical approach helps ensure documents operate smoothly in real situations and that authorized parties know how and when to use them in coordination with care teams and estate planning matters.
Step One: Initial Consultation and Document Review
During the initial meeting we discuss your objectives, review any existing estate planning paperwork, and assess which medical records and decision-making powers should be covered. We take time to learn who you trust to receive health information and make healthcare decisions, and we outline options for scope and duration of authorizations. This early review helps identify inconsistencies or gaps between documents that could impair access to records or create confusion during medical events.
Discussing Goals and Trusted Contacts
We ask about the people you want to name, the reasons they may need access to records, and whether you prefer short-term or ongoing permissions. These conversations guide drafting so that authorizations reflect your practical preferences while protecting sensitive information. We also consider whether special limits are appropriate for particular types of records and how to coordinate the authorization’s terms with other estate planning documents to avoid conflict and ensure consistency across all paperwork.
Reviewing Current Documents for Consistency
A careful review of existing powers of attorney, living wills, and any previously signed authorizations identifies overlaps or contradictions that could create hurdles. We look for differences in named agents, signature dates, and revocation language that can affect how providers respond to requests. Clarifying and updating these items ensures that authorized agents can access necessary medical records without undue delay and that the entire set of documents communicates a unified plan for healthcare and estate matters.
Step Two: Drafting and Finalizing Documents
After determining the appropriate scope and recipients, we prepare HIPAA authorization documents tailored to your situation. Drafting includes clear descriptions of covered information, expiration or revocation instructions, and coordination language to link the authorization with other estate planning instruments. We explain how to sign and date the form correctly and provide guidance on distributing copies. Final review helps ensure the document is both legally sound and practical for use with local providers and institutions.
Creating Clear, Usable Forms
We write authorizations in straightforward language to avoid ambiguity and to facilitate acceptance by healthcare providers. Clear forms name authorized recipients, specify what records may be released, and state the authorization’s effective period. We also include instructions for revocation and guidance on record retention. Our goal is to make these forms usable by both family members and medical staff when prompt access to information is needed during care coordination or treatment decisions.
Coordinating Distribution and Copies
Once signed, a HIPAA authorization should be distributed to designated recipients and to likely providers, such as primary care physicians and local hospitals. We advise on the best practices for storing originals and giving certified copies when appropriate. This distribution plan helps ensure providers will accept requests and reduces delays. We also discuss how to handle updates and revocations so records remain accurate and in line with current preferences.
Step Three: Ongoing Review and Updates
Health needs and family situations change over time, so periodic review of HIPAA authorizations and allied planning documents is important. We recommend reviewing authorizations after significant life events, changes in health, or when relationships with authorized individuals change. Updating documents helps avoid unintended access or gaps in authorization. Regular reviews also give peace of mind that your preferences for privacy and decision-making continue to be reflected accurately in your legal paperwork.
When to Revisit Authorizations
Revisit authorizations after major life events such as marriage, divorce, relocation, diagnosis of a serious condition, or significant changes in caregiving arrangements. Changes in providers or movement between different care systems also warrant a review to ensure authorizations remain practical and effective. Taking a proactive approach to updating documents can avoid administrative hurdles during times when timely access to medical records is most needed.
Revocation and Document Retirement
If you decide to revoke or replace a HIPAA authorization, do so in writing and distribute the revocation to providers and authorized individuals. Keep documentation of the revocation and update any related estate planning forms to reflect new choices. Properly retiring outdated authorizations prevents confusion over which document is controlling and helps ensure that only current, intended permissions are honored by healthcare entities and other recipients of medical information.
Frequently Asked Questions About HIPAA Authorizations
What is a HIPAA authorization and why is it needed?
A HIPAA authorization is a written permission that allows specified people or organizations to access protected health information that would otherwise remain private. It names the individual or entity authorized to receive records, describes the scope of information covered, and states how long the authorization is effective. Authorizations make it possible for family members, agents, or professionals to obtain records for treatment coordination, legal matters, or insurance purposes. Having a signed authorization avoids delays when providers must verify permission before releasing information.Including a HIPAA authorization in estate planning helps ensure healthcare decisions are informed and timely. It is a distinct document from other planning instruments, but it works best when coordinated with medical powers of attorney and advance directives so authorized agents can both make decisions and obtain the records needed to act.
How does a HIPAA authorization differ from a medical power of attorney?
A medical power of attorney appoints an agent to make healthcare decisions on behalf of someone who cannot decide for themselves, while a HIPAA authorization grants permission to access medical records. Although related, they serve different purposes: one focuses on decision-making authority and the other on information access. Many providers will still require a signed HIPAA authorization before releasing records even if an agent is appointed under a medical power of attorney.To avoid complications, it is common to prepare both documents together and use consistent language and naming. This coordination helps agents access records promptly and supports decision-making with up-to-date clinical information, preventing administrative delays when medical information is needed for care.
Who should I name on my HIPAA authorization?
Select people you trust to receive sensitive health information and to act on it responsibly. Common choices include spouses, adult children, close relatives, or a trusted friend. If an agent under a medical power of attorney exists, it is often practical to name the same person on the HIPAA authorization so they can both access records and make decisions. Consider naming alternates in case primary choices are unavailable or unwilling to serve.When choosing recipients, think about who will need records for medical decision-making, coordination of care, or handling insurance and probate matters. Discuss your choices with the named individuals and with your healthcare provider to ensure they understand their responsibilities and how to use the authorization if needed.
Can I limit what medical information is disclosed?
Yes, you can limit what medical information is disclosed by specifying categories or time periods in the authorization. For example, an authorization might permit release of records related only to a particular episode of care, a specific provider, or certain types of treatment. Limiting scope lets you protect sensitive information while allowing access to records needed for defined purposes, such as coordination of a surgery or review by a specialist.Keep in mind that overly narrow authorizations may require additional requests later if broader access becomes necessary. Discuss the right balance between privacy and access to determine whether a limited authorization or a broader, ongoing permission best fits your situation and healthcare needs.
How do I revoke or change a HIPAA authorization?
To revoke a HIPAA authorization, submit a written revocation to the healthcare providers holding your records and to any individuals or organizations you previously authorized. It is helpful to use a signed, dated form that clearly states the intention to revoke and to keep records of the revocation. Providers may rely on disclosures made while the authorization was in effect, but future disclosures should stop once they receive the revocation.If you want to change your authorization rather than revoke it entirely, prepare a new signed authorization with updated terms and distribute it to providers and authorized parties. Periodic review and clear communication help ensure that only current authorizations are honored.
Will providers in other states honor a Tennessee HIPAA authorization?
Yes, hospitals and providers in other states generally recognize HIPAA authorizations that meet federal requirements, because HIPAA is a federal law. However, some institutions may have specific form preferences or additional identification procedures before fulfilling requests. When travel or out-of-state care is likely, it can be helpful to use widely accepted language and to provide copies of the authorization in advance.If you expect care across different states or systems, consider creating a clear, portable authorization and confirming with key providers that they will accept it. This reduces the chance of delays when seeking records or coordinating care between facilities.
Do I need a HIPAA authorization for probate or insurance claims?
Yes, a HIPAA authorization can be necessary for probate, insurance claims, or legal matters where medical records are required. Personal representatives, beneficiaries, and insurers often need access to treatment notes, diagnosis information, and billing records to resolve claims or administer an estate. A signed authorization generally makes obtaining these records easier and can avoid the time and expense of court orders.If probate or litigation is expected, consider preparing authorizations that specifically address those needs and provide clear direction about who may receive records for legal or administrative purposes. Planning ahead simplifies these processes when they arise.
How long does a HIPAA authorization remain valid?
The validity period of a HIPAA authorization is set by the language in the document. It can expire on a specific date, after a particular event, or it can be left open-ended until revoked. A clearly stated expiration prevents indefinite access when that is the patient’s preference and gives control over how long information may be shared. Consider whether ongoing access is needed or whether a time-limited authorization is more appropriate for privacy reasons.Because circumstances change, periodic review of authorizations is recommended. Updating or revoking an authorization when life events occur ensures that only the intended people retain access to medical information and that records sharing reflects current preferences.
Should HIPAA authorizations be notarized or witnessed?
Not all HIPAA authorizations require notarization, but some institutions may request a witnessed or notarized signature for their internal acceptance procedures. Requirements vary by provider and by the type of records requested. When in doubt, providing a signed and dated authorization and offering to provide additional verification such as notarization can expedite requests and reduce provider hesitation to release records.If you anticipate institutions that commonly request notarization, consider executing the authorization with a witness or notary to prevent delays. We can advise on local provider practices and help prepare documents that meet likely procedural expectations in Tennessee.
What if a provider refuses to release records despite an authorization?
If a provider refuses to release records despite a valid HIPAA authorization, ask for the specific reason in writing and confirm that the authorization meets the provider’s form and identification requirements. Sometimes refusals stem from procedural issues, such as missing identification, an incomplete form, or timing questions. Addressing these issues and resubmitting a complete authorization often resolves the matter without further steps.If the provider still refuses without a valid basis, additional steps include requesting a review by the provider’s privacy officer or seeking assistance through the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. In some cases, legal guidance may help determine the best approach to compel compliance while protecting patient privacy rights.