This post will simply be a reference tool for authors. Since I have so many posts about HIPAA, the patient privacy act, I decided to put links all in one place for your convenience. This would be a great link to bookmark.

General Information Regarding HIPAA:

HIPAA Part One
HIPAA Part Two
HIPAA Part Three

Specific HIPAA Topics:

Law Enforcement and HIPAA
Disclosing Protected Health Information Under HIPAA
Disasters and HIPAA
HIPAA and Identity Thefts
Author Beware: Proof’s Problem with HIPAA
Modern Family: Disclosing Pregnancy Results
Author Beware: HIPAA— It’s no April Fools

Remember, in a novel it’s perfectly okay for a character to violate HIPAA. In fact, in might be preferred to increase the drama/conflict in your story. Just remember, they need to face consequences for their actions, or it should be made clear that other characters are aware that the action did violate this law. This ensures the reader knows that you’ve done your research.