American Red Cross issues clarifying statement on HIPAA regulation

NCHA supports the American Red Cross’ efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to families and individuals affected by disaster. They have recently issued a clarification regarding Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations and the specific authority that covered entities like hospitals have in sharing protected health information with the American Red Cross. For more details, see the attached preparedness memo. The memo also has an update on the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act and disasters; the requirement of a  succession policy in a facility’s emergency preparedness plan; and North Carolina Mutual Aid Agreements.