HHS Issues FAQs to Healthcare Providers on Release of COVID-19 Patient Information

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued guidance to hospitals and clinics reminding them that they must still comply with patient privacy rules during the COVID-19 crisis. In light of media focus, it is particularly important for providers to obtain a valid health privacy authorization from each patient whose protected health information would be accessible to the media. This requirement applies even if footage uses pixilation, blurring, or alteration for patients’ faces or voices.