As the use of artificial intelligence-powered scribe tools becomes more common in clinical settings, providers must carefully consider patient consent, including the possible applicability of state audio recording laws. While AI scribes can improve efficiency and documentation quality, providers must implement appropriate safeguards to remain compliant with state and federal laws. HIPAA and the Use […]
Category Archives: Health Privacy
In the wake of Roe v. Wade’s reversal, states across the country have moved to either restrict or protect access to reproductive health care. Connecticut quickly positioned itself as a national leader in safeguarding both access and privacy. Building on its 2022 Reproductive Freedom Act, section 278 of Public Act 25-168 (the Act) expands protections […]
On June 18, 2025, a federal district court in Texas vacated regulations providing protections for reproductive health information (the 2024 Rule) as part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The court found that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) exceeded its authority and unlawfully limited state law, effectively […]
On June 24, 2025, Connecticut’s governor signed into law a public health act (the Act) that includes updates to the law governing the statewide health information exchange, commonly known as Connie. While these updates are less substantial than those enacted during the 2024 spring legislative session, they represent meaningful progress on issues that matter to […]
On June 18, 2025, a federal district court in Texas vacated regulations providing protections for reproductive health information as part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The court found that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) exceeded its authority and unlawfully limited state law, effectively eliminating the rule […]
As discussed in Part 1 of this series, there are important benefits to licensure compacts, but providers must understand that the benefits come with added compliance responsibilities. Providers who apply for cross-border licensure through PSYPACT, the Counseling Compact, and the Social Work Compact must comply with the laws and rules of the state where the […]
The demand for licensed behavioral health providers continues to outpace supply, leaving many individuals without timely access to care, especially in underserved and rural areas. To help bridge this gap, Connecticut has joined a growing number of states in adopting interstate licensure compacts for psychologists, professional counselors, and, most recently, clinical social workers. These compacts […]
Late last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its Model Attestation for use as required under its new final rule for the protection of reproductive health information. I explain the attestation requirement in section D of my blog post on the final rule. On June 18, 2024, I shared my sample […]
In Parts 1 and 2 in this series on the Pixel Problem, I review the original and revised guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the Use of Tracking Technologies by HIPAA Covered Entities and Business Associates. I noted that HHS’s guidance, even as revised, went too far in determining what […]
On April 26, 2024, just one year after issuing its proposed rule, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule on the protection of reproductive health information (Final Rule). In 91 pages of tiny font in the Federal Register, HHS addressed the 25,000 comments it received and ultimately […]