2.15.1 University's Designation Under HIPAA
A. Purpose
To define the University's Designation under HIPAA.
B. Persons Affected
All University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center (UTTHSC), including off-campus instructional sites, faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and any contractors or agents granted access to confidential information.
C. Definitions
N/A
D. Policy and Procedures
Under HIPAA, a covered entity is a health plan, a health care clearinghouse, or a health care provider who transmits any health information in electronic form in connection with a HIPAA transaction.
The UTTHSC is designated as a single affiliated covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
All UTTHSC departments and clinics will implement the Privacy Policies & Procedures found in the Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP). The Office of Compliance will maintain the privacy policies and procedures.
A Privacy Official will be designated to oversee ongoing activities related to the development, implementation, maintenance of, and adherence to the organization's policies and procedures covering the privacy of and access to PHI. The Privacy Official serves in a leadership role for the organization-wide Privacy Oversight Committee.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, this policy shall at all times be interpreted to comply with HIPAA, HITECH and applicable Texas laws, rules and regulations.
E. Responsibilities
See section D, Policies and Procedures.