Protected Health Information
When services are received from the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS), personal and health information about an individual or family may be collected. This information is called Protected Health Information (PHI).
Privacy is important. A federal law called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets rules for how information can be used and shared. DHS follows these rules to help keep information safe.
About Protected Health Information (PHI)
Protected Health Information (PHI) is information about a person's health, care, or services received. It also includes details that can identify a person, such as a name, address, or date of birth. The DHS Notice of Privacy Practices for Protected Health Information(PDF, 275KB) describes how medical information may be used and disclosed and how to get access to this information. (Notice of Privacy Practices: Audio version)
How DHS Uses Client Information
DHS only uses or shares client information when the law allows or requires it. DHS may use or share a client’s information to:
- Provide services and support their care
- Check if they qualify for programs
- Pay for services or run programs
Client Rights
Individuals have rights related to their health information, including the right to:
- Get a copy of their information
- Request corrections to information believed to be incorrect
- Request limits on how information is used or shared
- Choose how DHS makes contact (for example, by mail instead of phone)
- Request a list of when information was shared
- File a complaint if privacy rights may not have been followed
- Revoke permission previously given to share information
How to Manage Information
Use the Manage Personal Information Form to make requests, including:
- Requesting a record of disclosures to see when and with whom information was shared
- Choosing communication preferences, such as a different address, language, or method of contact
- Requesting a correction to information believed to be incorrect
- Filing a privacy complaint about how information was used or shared
- Requesting limits on how information is used or shared
Contact
For any questions, please contact the Allegheny County Privacy Officer.
Click here to view form.