Book Review

HIPAA Compliance Handbook for Community Pharmacy

Walter L. Fitzgerald, R. Jeffrey Hedges
National Community Pharmacists Assocations

703-683-3619) A “must have” handbook for pharmacy privacy officers This 256-page spiral-bound handbook and the CD-ROM that accompanies it are exactly what every HIPAA privacy officer needs to assist him/her in implementing HIPAA regulations. Written by a pharmacist/attorney for pharmacists, this handbook lays out a plan of action for pharmacists to develop their HIPAA compliance plan. Chapters cover: ¦ Privacy standards, including sample general policies and procedures for compliance with HIPAA privacy standards ¦ HIPAA administrative standards ¦ “Heart of the Handbook” Workbook, which includes worksheets for pharmacy assessment and example forms for implementation of NOPP, patient-request forms (ie, access to records, amendments, accounting of disclosures, confi- dential communication, restriction of uses and disclosures, authorization for use and disclosure by person or representative, complaints), and example letters for patient requests (this section is also included on the CD-ROM) ¦ The key to unlock HIPAA privacy standards ¦ Implementation timelines and compliance plans In each chapter, important information has been highlighted within boxes. Questions and answers to real-world questions that are likely to be asked in a community pharmacy make this handbook really worthwhile. Appendices include the complete US Department of Health and Human Services Administrative and Privacy Standards. This publication’s format is more like a book than a reference, which sometimes makes it difficult to find information; however, it is indexed extremely well. The feature that sets this manual apart is the CDROM, which contains worksheets, timelines, staff-training documentation log, sample NOPP, patient-request forms, policies and procedures, letters, and much more. These forms are essential for the proper implementation of HIPAA requirements. For those who have already invested in other HIPAA information sources, the CD-ROM is available by itself for only $39. This handbook and CD-ROM are customized for the independent pharmacist. If you are on a budget and have to select one book, select this one. Many state associations, pharmacy organizations, and buying groups offer discounted rates for purchase of this handbook.