Hipaa Agreement For Therapists

Summary

As a massage therapist in Illinois, you may be considered a business associate under HIPAA if you handle patient information on behalf of a chiropractor. Review the agreement and consult a local attorney before signing. If you only rent office space and dont access patient information, your status may differ.

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I am a licensed massage therapist and I rent an office space from a chiropractor. The chiropractor is asking me to sign what he says is a hippa agreement, but it defines me as a business associate and him as a covered entity. Do I have to sign it? I signed a 12 year lease with him almost 4 months ago.
Hello Kari, your situation falls under HIPAA rules and regulations. Could you please tell me in which state you're practicing? This information will help me provide more accurate advice.
Illinois
Hello Kari, in Illinois:
- As a massage therapist, you're not necessarily a "covered entity" under HIPAA.
- However, if the chiropractor is a covered entity, he can require business associates to comply with certain HIPAA provisions.
- You're encouraged to review the agreement and consult with a local attorney before signing.
Am I considered a business associate though if he doesn't pay me?
Under HIPAA, a business associate is a person or entity performing certain functions or activities involving the use or disclosure of protected health information on behalf of a covered entity, regardless of compensation.
I dont know how I do that when I am my own business and llc and dont work for him. I just rent an office.
Under HIPAA rules, if you handle any patient information on behalf of the chiropractor, you may still be considered a business associate. However, if you only rent the office and don't have access to such information, it may be different. Consider discussing this with an attorney.