Consumer Information Notice
All licensed optometrists are required to post a Consumer Information Notice or Consumer Brochure in their office.
Poison Control Center
Information regarding the services provided by poison control centers may be found at the Texas Poison Center website. The center also has a toll free number: 1-800-222-1222.
Abuse of Pain Medication by Patients
The abuse of pain medications is a serious issue. The Pharmacy Board’s website has important information regarding prescribing pain medications and the real possibility that the prescribed medications will be abused.
HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) required the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to issue regulations governing health care entities that engage in electronic health care transactions. HIPAA regulations apply both to the form of electronic health care transactions and the privacy of patient information.
Optometrists may be in the class of health care providers that must comply with HIPAA regulations — depending on whether payment or records are transmitted electronically. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has a guide to assist in making the determination of whether a practice is subject to HIPAA. Additionally, Chapter 181 of the Texas Health and Safety Code makes protected health information laws applicable to all health care providers. That law requires staff training and provides for a 15 day response to electronic copy of patient records request.
- Searchable Answers and FAQ for professionals: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: www.hhs.gov/hipaafaq/
- The general HIPAA information page of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights: www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/
- Texas Attorney General Protected Health Information general information page: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/state-and-federal-health-privacy-laws
- HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services general HIPAA information page: www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Administrative-Simplification/HIPAA-ACA/index.html
- Identification number (NPI Number) required for all providers under HIPAA regulations beginning in 2007: www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/