HIPAA Privacy Final Rule to Protect Reproductive Health Care Information

At Corewell Health, we protect our patients’ privacy by safeguarding their Protected Health Information, PHI. We only disclose PHI when allowed by privacy laws and regulations, which now include special protections for the reproductive health care information of our patients. 

We encourage providers and medical offices who access Corewell Health’s instance of Epic to familiarize themselves with and comply with the new HIPAA privacy rule.

What is the new Reproductive Health Care Privacy Final Rule?

A new HIPAA rule prohibits covered entities and their business associates from sharing patients’ reproductive health care information with governmental agencies, including law enforcement officials, or pursuant to a legal document for the purpose of investigating or penalizing individuals for seeking, obtaining, providing or facilitating reproductive health care services.

When does the rule become enforceable?

The rule becomes enforceable on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024.

What resources are available for more information?

You can find government resources here: HIPAA and Reproductive Health | HHS.gov or HIPAA Privacy Rule Final Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy: Fact Sheet | HHS.gov.

What do I need to do next?

Ensure that you understand your responsibilities under the HIPAA Privacy Final Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy by Dec. 23.