HHS Releases FAQs on HIPAA, COVID-19, and the Workplace

October 8, 2021
Ken LaSala

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and how its Privacy Rule affects questions about COVID-19 and the workplace.

The document discusses questions such as whether businesses or individuals can ask customers or clients about their COVID-19 vaccine status or whether an employer can require an employee to disclose vaccination status. IAFC members are encouraged to review this document to help answer questions about HIPAA and COVID-19 vaccines.

Also, fire chiefs may wish to consult the IAFC Board’s position statement on the COVID-19 Vaccination of Fire and EMS Personnel. .

Ken LaSala is the IAFC’s Director of Government Relations and Policy

Related News

IAFC Members Asked to Call Their U.S. Senators to Pass the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82)

December 13, 2024

The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on legislation that would eliminate two Social Security provisions that have denied public servants read more
U.S. Congress Passes Bill to Protect National Firefighter Cancer Registry

December 12, 2024

U.S. Senate passed legislation to reauthorize the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer by voice vote read more
First Responders Depend on AM Radio

December 6, 2024

The critical role of AM radio, we urge legislators to support the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act read more

Charged for Life: Lithium-ion battery safety messaging and resources

Spread the word about Lithium-ion battery safety Originally developed by the City of Toronto and Toronto Fire Services, these resources have been adapted for fire services across Ontario. With tailored messaging and resources, they empower communities to recognize risks, adopt safer ...

Response Considerations: Incidents Involving Crowds During the 2024 Presidential Election Period

As Election Day nears, the potential for unrest and other election-related issues remains. This document provides an overview of the current situation, highlighting the importance of continued interagency collaboration and operational coordination during this period. The United States Intelligence Community has ...

Evacuation Management 2-Day Course for Law & Fire Service Leaders

Are you ready? As first responders, we know we have to perform in challenging situations, and that there are scenarios we have never encountered ourselves. Do you have a plan to evacuate your city or county? Have you built the ...

Study of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Fire and EMS

The issue of DEI is currently a pressing concern within the Fire and Emergency Medical Services across the United States. Many local departments are grappling with challenges related to recruitment and retention, exacerbated by instances of workplace discrimination, harassment, and bullying. These issues ...

FEMA's Hurricane Milton After the Storm Messaging Resource Toolkit

This toolkit provides multimedia resources quickly available for you to be able to share messaging to your community after Hurricane Milton. After the Storm Web Resources Hurricane Milton disaster declaration page on FEMA.gov in English and in Spanish. After the Storm Graphics, Social ...

You are not logged in.