What is the purpose of the Notice of Privacy Practice?

The purpose of the Notice of Privacy Practice is fundamentally to inform patients about their rights regarding their personal health information and to explain how that information may be collected, used, and disclosed by the healthcare provider. This notice serves as an essential communication tool that ensures patients understand their privacy rights, including their right to access their medical records, request amendments, and understand how their health information is protected under regulations such as HIPAA.

By providing this information, healthcare providers foster transparency and trust with their patients, enabling them to make informed decisions about their care and the sharing of their health information. The critical focus of the Notice of Privacy Practice is to empower patients and ensure they are aware of their privacy rights rather than to serve other functions such as advertising or liability management.