HIPAA is an abbreviation for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This Federal law was passed in 1996. As Congress has published final "Rules" to carry out the intent of the Act, deadlines for compliance have arrived. HIPAA is bringing sweeping changes to healthcare nationwide.

The County of Sacramento has designated itself as a "hybrid entity." This means some programs within departments are "covered" by the HIPAA Rules, while others are not, Master List of Covered Components. HIPAA requires (mandates) that every healthcare organization, whether completely covered by the Rules, or partly covered (hybrid), must monitor compliance, and have ongoing management of Policies and Procedures for the Privacy Rule and the Security Rule.

To ensure consistent, countywide compliance, the County of Sacramento has established a HIPAA Steering Committee, and assigned a County Privacy Officer as well as a County Security Officer. The County's Office of HIPAA is required to document and report on its compliance efforts to the Steering Committee.

The Office is responsible for responding to and resolving HIPAA-related complaints, whether such complaints are made by clients or employees. The Office of HIPAA maintains toll free number for these inquiries: 1-866-234-6883 / TTY 1-877-835-2929

For further information on the HIPAA Transaction and Code Sets Rule implementation including EDI Companion Guides visit the Department of Health and Human Services or contact Harry Singh at 916-876-6687.

• HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures
• HIPAA Security Policies and Procedures
• Notice of Privacy Practices - Health Plan
• • Brochure Format
• Notice of Privacy Practices - Health Provider
• • Brochure Format
• Master List Covered Components
• Deputy Privacy Officers / Deputy Information Security Officers
• Training Manuals and Forms - for Temp Agencies, Registries and Other Contractors
• DHHS HIPAA Internet Website