Dental practices can request vaccination status of patients, employees, says HHS
HIPAA does not prevent dental practices from asking about the vaccination status of either staff members or patients, says the United States Department of Health and Human Services in new guidance.
According the guidance, the HIPAA Privacy Rule applies to certain entities, such as health insurance companies, hospitals, and dental practices, and regulates how these entities use and disclose protected information.
The Privacy Rule, does, however, dictate how covered entities are allowed to use and disclose information gathered about individuals’ vaccination status.
You can read the detailed guidance on the HHS’s website, and view the ADA's coverage here.
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Read more: New federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate currently 'doesn't apply to dental offices directly'
About the Author
Amelia Williamson DeStefano
Market Content Director
Amelia Williamson DeStefano, MA, is market content director of Endeavor Business Media’s Dental Group, where she leads content strategy for Dental Economics, RDH, DentistryIQ, and Perio-Implant Advisory. With a background in editorial leadership and audience development, she focuses on delivering clinically relevant, evidence-based content that supports better patient care and stronger practice outcomes. She holds a master’s degree in English literature from the University of Tulsa.