Module 12 ::
Victim Issues
Topic 3 :: Privacy and Procedural Considerations
Privacy-Related Questions (cont.)
Does the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) limit the availability of medical records pertaining to victims?
HIPAA strictly limits the release of victim medical information except with the victim's written consent and for the specific people it will be released to. However, if a case is under police investigation, evidence can be released without the victim's consent to law enforcement and other involved parties for the investigation. Nevertheless, signed consent is still obtained.