Is a soldier providing you appointment slips against HIPPA?

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?

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.

"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

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

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.