Is a soldier providing you appointment slips against HIPPA?

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 18:31:08 -0500

I have one who seems to think they can just say they have an appointment by word of mouth and provide no proof.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2018 6:34 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 18:34:56 -0500

There is (usually) nothing on an appointment slip that violates HIPAA.
It will provide a date/time, location and clinic or section name and/or Dr name.
Same with a Sick in Quarters note from a Dr, will only provide a date the Soldier can return to duty.
If this Soldier still has HIPAA concerns, he can still provide the appointment slip to anyone in your chain of command with a current HIPAA certificate, as they can view HIPAA protected information and they have a need to know, in this case your chain of command needs to know the date and times that this Soldier will be away from duty.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2018 7:24 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 19:24:51 -0500

If you care to entertain this soldier, show him the first link. Have him read it (and through the accompanying links), and explain how providing an appointment slip violates his HIPPA rights.

Then have him read the second link. Have him explain how you requiring soldiers to provide appointment slips (I’m guessing it’s a commanders policy) violates AR 600-20.

If he can convince you, the PSG and 1SG, I’d say you should make a case to the Commander that appointment slips aren’t necessary. I wouldn’t worry, though.

Best of luck

https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/faq/187/what-does-the-hipaa-privacy-rule-do/index.html
http://gordon.army.mil/sharp/downloads/Army_Command_Policy_AR_600-20.pdf

https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Privacy-and-Civil-Liberties/HIPAA-Compliance-within-the-MHS/Military-Command-Exception

187-What does the HIPAA Privacy Rule do

Most health plans and health care providers that are covered by the new Rule must comply with the new requirements by April 14, 2003. The HIPAA Privacy Rule for the first time creates national standards to protect individuals’ medical records and other personal health information.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2018 7:27 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 19:27:12 -0500

This is not so. Asking for an appointment slip violates no patient privacy and therefore no HIPAA rules. Further, HIPAA doesn't apply when a patient volunteers their information either (if it was more than just appointment information). They can choose not to provide it, but then you just appear deceptive. In any case, its your chain of command's job to make sure they have accountability of their people, and an appointment slip showing that they had a valid medical appointment during duty time is reasonable enough.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2018 7:50 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 19:50:22 -0500

For real???? Wow... Anyway it's not. There's a HIPAA military command exemption even if there was. How does one think a commander can figure out if his troop is medically fit for duty if he can't even ask for an appt slip?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2018 10:00 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 22:00:59 -0500

"Your employer can ask you for a doctor’s note or other health information if they need the information for sick leave, workers’ compensation, wellness programs, or health insurance." - Uncle Sam

https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/employers-health-information-workplace/index.html

Employers and Health Information in the Workplace

Information about the HIPAA Privacy Rule and employers.