What must covered entities provide to patients as part of their HIPAA rights?

Covered entities are required under HIPAA to provide patients with a Notice of Privacy Practices. This document is essential because it informs patients about how their protected health information (PHI) may be used and disclosed by the covered entity, as well as the patients' rights concerning their health information. The Notice of Privacy Practices outlines crucial aspects such as rights to access their medical records, request amendments, obtain an accounting of disclosures, and limits on the use of their PHI.

Providing this notice ensures transparency and fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers by clearly defining how health information will be managed. While patients have rights to access their information and can inquire about costs, these are not specifically mandated to be provided as a primary requirement. Therefore, the Notice of Privacy Practices is a central component of HIPAA compliance, emphasizing the importance of patient awareness regarding their rights and the protection of their health information.