What is the role of the privacy practice notice?

The privacy practice notice primarily serves to inform individuals about their rights concerning their protected health information (PHI). This notice is a fundamental requirement under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which mandates that healthcare providers and organizations must communicate how they use and protect patients' health information. This includes details about how PHI may be shared, the patient's rights to access their information, and the procedures to follow if they have concerns regarding their privacy. By providing this information, the privacy practice notice empowers individuals to understand their rights and protections, ensuring they are informed participants in their healthcare processes.

In contrast, documenting healthcare services, outlining testing procedures, or providing an overview of healthcare costs do not align with the primary intent of the privacy practice notice, which is focused solely on the rights and protections regarding PHI.