Severe disasters – such as Tropical Storm Barry – impose additional challenges on health care providers. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar has declared a public health emergency in Louisiana to prepare for potential impacts of Tropical Storm Barry following President Trump’s emergency declaration for the state. Under these circumstances, the Secretary has exercised the authority to issue a limited waiver of HIPAA sanctions and penalties. The waiver may be found at: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/tropical-storm-barry-hipaa-bulletin.pdf.
Covered entities and business associates can find more information on HIPAA and Emergency Situations at: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/index.html.
Please also view OCR’s Civil Rights Emergency Preparedness page to learn how nondiscrimination laws apply during an emergency.
