Impact of HIPAA on confidentiality and privacy issues. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

All covered entities must comply with new HIPAA regulations governing transaction sets, privacy, and security. The deadline for implementation of new privacy requirements is scheduled for April 14, 2003. Pharmacists should prepare to implement these new requirements as soon as possible. HIPAA rules are complex. Penalties for violations could be severe, so pharmacists are advised to take appropriate measures to avoid liability.