The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 ensures that patient health data is released appropriately. However, when child abuse or neglect is suspected, a pediatrician may determine that the release of information without consent is necessary to ensure the health and safety of the child. A new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Child Abuse, Confidentiality, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act,” published in the January issue of Pediatrics, (appearing online December 21), gives an overview of HIPAA regulations regarding the role of the pediatrician in these circumstances. The policy statement recommends pediatricians become familiar with their state laws and HIPAA regulations.   

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org.