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Privacy regulations do not prohibit prayers, visits

 


Privacy regulations do not prohibit prayers, visits

April 20, 2004 

A UMNS Report By Amy Green*

New federal regulations meant to protect patient privacy have prompted clergy to re-examine privacy concerns in their congregations. But the regulations, part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, are so vast and new they have caused widespread confusion. Here are some things to remember: 

  • The law was approved in 1996 to address health insurance issues. Its privacy regulations direct health plans and providers — not clergy — in how to share patient information. They do not prohibit clergy from visiting patients or praying for them with their congregations. 
  • The new rules do prohibit clergy from sharing patient information without consent when clergy are employed by hospitals as chaplains or churches that provide mental health services.
  • Traditional pastoral counseling provided at no charge does not make a church a health provider subject to HIPAA’s privacy regulations.  
  • HIPAA is not the only law regulating the disclosure of private information. In general, less information is better when sharing prayer requests with congregations. When possible, it is best to get consent from parishioners before sharing anything about them. 
  • More information is available at http://answers.hhs.gov and http://www.gcfa.org/hipaa_privacy_rule.pdf online.
     
    Source: The Legal Department of the United Methodist Church General Council on Finance and Administration.

*Green is a freelance journalist based in Nashville, Tenn. News media can contact Kathy L. Gilbert (615)742-5470 Nashville, Tenn. or newsdesk@umcom.org.

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