IU-sponsored Health Plans
HIPAA Privacy Practices

Indiana University has a longstanding policy of maintaining the confidentiality of personal health information used to administer its employee health plans. Beginning April 14, 2003, personal health information created or used by employer-sponsored health plans gained special protection under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). In compliance with that federal law, the university mailed its Notice of Privacy Practices to employees and also published the notice in the April 2003 edition of this newsletter. This notice is also available to employees in plan booklets and on the University Human Resource Services Web site.

Personal health information from sources other than the health plan is also used by the university. These uses include making workplace ADA accommodations, providing benefits for job-related injuries, evaluating long-term disability, and administering other employment programs and benefits. While these uses are not covered under HIPAA, health information associated with these functions is handled in accordance with state and federal laws and the university policy on confidentiality.

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