Protecting Health Information Privacy

This Marquette University Health Information Privacy Policy (the "University Policy") is implemented as a matter of sound healthcare practice; to protect the interests of our patients; and to fulfill Marquette's legal obligations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"), its implementing regulations at 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164 (Fed. Reg. 82462 (Dec. 28, 2000) ("Privacy Rules"), as amended by modifications proposed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in March of 2002, and state law that provides greater protection or rights to patients than the Privacy Rules.

For faculty, staff and students

IT HIPAA Security Standards

Policies for Specific Units of the University

In addition to this University Policy, health care providing units of the university have developed their own specific health information privacy policies and notices to reflect specifics that are appropriate to the unique operations of each unit.

Other Rules Apply for Marquette Students

If you are a Marquette student the privacy of your health information is governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and Wisconsin state law, not HIPAA. This is due to specific exceptions in the Privacy Rules. The exception is mandatory and not an option chosen by Marquette. Marquette will protect its students' health information in compliance with FERPA and applicable Wisconsin laws. The specifics of those laws may vary slightly from the terms of HIPAA. Please see a comparison of the differences between HIPAA and Wisconsin laws. Marquette's FERPA policies may be found in the At Marquette student handbook.

Questions

If you have any further questions regarding these policies and procedures, or doubt about any use or disclosure of individually identifiable health information relating to the Privacy Rules, please contact the Office of General Counsel at (414) 288-7343.