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HIPPA Forms and other forms for massage business

Hello everyone!

I'm fairly new to this site and just starting my own massage business now. I have worked for someone for the last four years and I'm finally taking the jump to better my life and improve others on my own terms.

This leads me to a bunch of questions.... Is there a web site that has the HIPPA forms on it to customize for my own business. I want to make sure I am in compliance with every thing that I do. And it has been forever since I had my business class in school so to remember where to find all of this stuff is beyond me! So any help that anyone could offer would be wonderful.

Thanks and in good health to everyone!

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Permalink Reply by Susan G. Salvo on July 10, 2010 at 5:00pm

While much of HIPAA is a good idea, before you devote lots of time and energy in acquiring forms that meet HIPAA regulations, I suggest cking with your state board to see if you must be HIPAA compliant.

Many state boards do not require it (out state board [LA] does not require HIPAA compliance).

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Permalink Reply by Melissa Sivigny on July 12, 2010 at 8:34pm

Thanks Susan. I will look into that. I am in MN so I'm not sure. They stressed it in school but I haven't been in school for a long time so I'm not sure if it was just more for covering us or it was a legal deal.

Again Thanks! :)

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Permalink Reply by Susan G. Salvo on July 13, 2010 at 11:13am

It's not exactly what you requested, but here is what I have featured in my latest book related to HIPAA.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): Guidelines for Massage Therapist –

• Obtain a signed informed consent from each client.
• Always obtain a signed written consent form or medical release form from the client before any information about your client is disclosed to a third party.
• Do not disclose any information regarding clients to individuals in your office.
• Protect electronic client files by assigning passwords to anyone who has access to them. Computers that are connected electronically to the Internet must be fitted with a firewall to protect information from hackers.
• Obtain client authorization before dispensing any marketing material such as newsletters, facsimile referrals, greeting cards, or e-mail.
• Place confidentiality notices on all facsimiles and e-mails.
• Store client files in a locked fireproof cabinet and restrict access.
• Create a client information sheet outlining how you intend to use the information obtained from the client, how this information will be maintained and stored, and under what circumstances this information will be disclosed, as well as how the therapist will obtain permission for such incidences, how copies can be obtained by the client of his or her files, how long these files will be kept once the client is released, and how these records will be destroyed. Give a copy of this document to each client. Go over each item with the client, asking him or her to sign and date a separate statement that he or she received the Notice of Privacy Policies.
• Keep the appointment book and all client files out of view.
• When talking on the telephone, do not use the caller’s name if others who might overhear are in the room.
• If you have a computer in your office, make sure the screen is out of view or shows a screen saver when clients or unauthorized individuals are nearby.

I hope this helps you, Melissa.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Erickson on July 29, 2010 at 12:03am

Melissa -

Here is an article on HIPAA for MN MTs, written by Joanie Holst, AMTA-MN Chapter President and Director of Education: http://www.amtamn.org/Education/HIPAA.asp