Protected health information, or PHI, is individually identifiable health information that is transmitted by, or maintained in, electronic media or any other form or medium. This information must relate to:

• The past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual
• Provision of health care to an individual
• Payment for the provision of health care to an individual

If the information identifies or provides a reasonable basis to believe it can be used to identify an individual, it is considered individually identifiable health information.

Under HIPAA’s Privacy Rule, uses and disclosures of protected health information (PHI) by covered entities can be divided into four categories:

• Core uses and disclosures, for which no permission is required – although an optional consent can be employed – which includes routine treatment, payment, and other health care operations
• Those that require authorization such as most kinds of research, marketing activities and fundraising
• Those that require an opportunity to agree or object, but no written authorization
• Those that do not require an opportunity to agree or object

No. Your signature simply indicates that you were given the Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP). If you choose not to read the NPP or sign the form, there will be no impact on the care or service you receive.

You don't have to sign anything. HIPAA requires that we, as your health care provider, provide this notice (NPP) and make a good faith effort to document that you have received it.

If you choose not to sign, it will have no impact on your care or service.

Clinical staff will be happy to answer any basic questions you have. If you have questions that they cannot answer, you can contact the UTRGV Privacy Officer at (956) 665-2652.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), a federal law enacted in 1996, requires that health providers take certain steps to protect the privacy and security of patient health information. The privacy part of the law went into effect on April 14, 2003. The NPP document and the on-page NPP summary describe how UTRGV protects your health information.

Your care will not change. The law formalizes many patients privacy practices that UTRGV has routinely followed for some time.

This is not a legal document, but you will need to sign the form for your minor children or elderly parents if you are the designated legal representative. Should you or your child or elderly parent have questions or need help understanding the notice, you may contact UTRGV Privacy Officer at (956) 665-2652.

The NPP is available in Spanish. It can be found at all clinics locations.  Download Spanish version.

This form is a statement that you received a notice regarding UTRGV’s privacy and confidentiality practices. It has nothing to do with how we handle your billing, registration, or treatment.

Please contact the UTRGV Privacy Officer at (956) 665-2652.