Health Information Management

How do we know if information is deidentified?

HIPAA Weekly Advisor, October 10, 2005

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Information is considered deidentified if it meets either of two tests:

1. A person with knowledge of and experience with statistical and scientific principles and methods for rendering information not individually identifiable determines that the risk is very small that the information could be used, alone or in combination with other reasonably available information, to identify the subject of the information. This person must document the methods and results of the analysis that justify such determination.

2. The information is stripped of all patient-identifying information and the covered entity does not know that the information could be used alone or in combination with other documents to identify an individual.

For more information see Section 164.514(b) Requirements for Deidentification of Protected Health Information of the Bricker & Eckler Web site.

Editor's note: Attorneys from Bricker & Eckler, LLP, answered this question. This is not legal advice. Consult with your attorney for legal matters.



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