FAQs • Plumas County • CivicEngage

Why do I need to know about HIPAA if I don't work around patients?: If you work for the County you may see confidential information. Information Technology employees and fiscal employees may not see patients or clients but they will see confidential information about them. If you walk through patient or client care areas on your way to your office, you may see individuals utilizing County services. HIPAA says you must keep this information confidential. That means if you see a friend or neighbor at the County as a client or patient, you must not disclose that to anyone else - not to co-workers, other friends, your family, or friends or family of the individual you saw.

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HIPAA Information

1. Who is protected by HIPAA?: Individuals receiving health care services provided by or paid for by a Plumas County Department or Agency. Additionally, the health information of County Employees who are enrolled in the County Health Plan are protected, as is the health information of deceased individuals whose health care services were paid for or provided by the County.

2. What is a Notice of Privacy Practices?: The NPP is the document that informs patients or clients about their privacy rights and our privacy practices. The NPP is posted in all County facilities providing healthcare services, is available on the County website, and is also given to individuals being seen by a County health care provider, and anyone else who asks for it.

3. What information is confidential?: Any information about the health of an individual, which identifies or can be used to identify the individual is confidential. This includes information that relates to the physical, mental, or emotional health or condition of an individual and the provision of, or payment for, health care of the individual. HIPAA applies to information communicated orally and in writing; it also applies to information stored in hard copy or electronically (on a computer, server, floppy drive, CD, or PDA) and information being sent by e-mail.

4. Why do I need to know about HIPAA if I don't work around patients?: If you work for the County you may see confidential information. Information Technology employees and fiscal employees may not see patients or clients but they will see confidential information about them. If you walk through patient or client care areas on your way to your office, you may see individuals utilizing County services. HIPAA says you must keep this information confidential. That means if you see a friend or neighbor at the County as a client or patient, you must not disclose that to anyone else - not to co-workers, other friends, your family, or friends or family of the individual you saw.

5. May I share information or discuss clients with a co-worker?: HIPAA allows information to be used or disclosed when you have written, specific authorization from the individual OR for treatment, payment, or health care operations. Without written authorization, you may share information and discuss clients with co-workers ONLY if your co-worker needs to know the information to successfully perform his/her job, or the disclosure is made while you are officially conducting a medical review.

6. How do I file a complaint?: Individuals who believe the County has failed to handle health information in accordance with HIPAA may file complaints with the County or with the Office of Civil Rights. The Notice of Privacy Practice contains addresses and telephone numbers where individuals may obtain more information or file complaints; it is available on the County website in both English and Spanish. A complaint form (PDF) is also available from the County website.