Common Misconceptions About HIPAA Can Threaten Patient Safety, Quality of Care - Healthcare Risk Management

Stephanie Winer Schreiber, shareholder in the firm's Healthcare section, is quoted in the Healthcare Risk Management article, "Common Misconceptions About HIPAA Can Threaten Patient Safety, Quality of Care"

The scope of HIPAA is the root of many misconceptions, says Stephanie Winer Schreiber, JD, shareholder with Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney in Pittsburgh.

“The No. 1 misconception is that all healthcare information held by anyone is protected by HIPAA. I often hear people say they know something about someone’s health but they can’t disclose it because it is covered by HIPAA,” she says. “HIPAA only covers certain information held by a covered entity or a business associate, with some information excluded. Other than that, you may be subject to some state laws and restrictions as an employer, but HIPAA is not always applicable.”