Health Information Management

HHS to look at HIPAA's impact on sports

HIPAA Weekly Advisor, October 10, 2003

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The National Football League has a 21-year-old policy limiting players' access to medical and training records during the 17-week regular season. Players can access their medical records once during the preseason and after the regular season ends. Critics say the policy violates players' civil and legal rights under HIPAA.

A September 25 article in the Charlotte Observer said that several veteran players did not even know about the policy. According to the article, the league has contacted the Department of Health and Human Services, and is awaiting word on how the law applies to pro sports teams.

Several medical technology companies, including one run by a former NFL player, have approached the NFL and the union pitching the sale of electronic online medical records systems designed to bring the league into compliance with HIPAA guidelines. If security measures are achieved, records could be maintained on an Internet site and players could see their files without having to ask doctors or trainers for the information.



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