The Office of Civil Rights released guidance Monday regarding methods for de-identification of protected health information (PHI) in accordance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule. This guidance is intended to assist covered entities  understand what is de-identification, the general process by which de-identified information is created, and the options available for performing de-identification.

The guidance, posted on the Department of Health and Human Services' website, explains the 2 methods that can be used to satisfy the Privacy Rule's de-identification standard—Expert Determination and Safe Harbor—using a question-and-answer format and provides a glossary of terms related to de-identification.

APTA's Health Information Technology (HIT) webpage provides resources and updates on HIT program development and legislation, in addition to APTA's efforts with federal policymakers to educate them as to the importance of including physical therapists in HIT initiatives moving forward.