At our recent IAIH Hypnotherapy Conference, IAIH attorney Mr. Jan Govan, brought to our attention the importance of understanding HIPAA and our role in protecting our client’s confidentiality and how to properly work with medical and mental health professionals where Protected Health Information (PHI) is concerned.
Mr. Govan’s lecture sparked the need for expanding our knowledge base on this topic and for opening up IAIH member dialogues.
IAIH President, Matthew Brownstein, has been in contact with multiple attorneys and medical professionals on this matter and has taken CEU courses to continue this IAIH HIPAA compliance process.
IAIH Official Conclusions on HIPAA Compliance for Hypnotherapists to date:
HIPAA and Hypnotherapy Services
When a Hypnotherapist works with a licensed healthcare provider through a referral, prescription, supervision, or other professional arrangement, HIPAA requirements may apply depending upon the nature of the relationship and the information being exchanged.
A Hypnotherapist may be considered a Business Associate under HIPAA when providing services for or on behalf of a HIPAA-covered healthcare provider that involve access to protected health information (PHI). When applicable, appropriate HIPAA safeguards and a Business Associate Agreement may be required.
A referral or professional relationship with a healthcare provider does not, by itself, automatically make a Hypnotherapist a HIPAA Business Associate. Practitioners are responsible for determining which federal and state privacy requirements apply to their particular practice and professional relationships.
While the IAIH will continue to advise you on HIPAA compliance as a Hypnotherapist, it still remains your responsibility to abide by all Federal, State, County and City Laws.
