Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Must the Notice of Privacy Practices (NOPP) be given to patients every time they visit a facility?

1. Yes, it must be given at each visit

2. No, it must be given only once

3. Only for new patients

4. Only if policies have changed

The correct answer is: No, it must be given only once

The Notice of Privacy Practices (NOPP) is a vital document under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) that informs patients about how their protected health information (PHI) may be used and disclosed. The correct understanding is that patients must receive the NOPP only once at the start of their relationship with a healthcare provider or covered entity. This is generally done at the first visit or when a patient first registers with the entity. Once the NOPP has been provided, the healthcare provider is not required to present it to the patient at every subsequent visit. However, it is the responsibility of the provider to ensure that patients are aware of their rights, and they may choose to offer the notice again if there are any significant changes in privacy practices. This approach ensures that patients are adequately informed without burdening them with repeated disclosures during every visit, facilitating a more efficient experience while still complying with HIPAA regulations.