What must a covered entity provide to patients regarding their health information?

A covered entity is required to provide patients with a Notice of Privacy Practices. This document outlines how their health information may be used and disclosed, as well as the patients' rights regarding that information. The Notice of Privacy Practices is essential because it ensures transparency and helps patients understand their privacy rights under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). It includes information about the entity's responsibilities to safeguard health information, the types of uses and disclosures that may occur without consent, and how patients can exercise their rights under the law.

In contrast, a written consent form for all treatments is not a requirement of HIPAA, as consent for treatment may be obtained in a variety of ways and isn't always documented through a written form. The idea of a bill of rights for patients, while beneficial, is not mandated by HIPAA; instead, HIPAA primarily focuses on the protection of health information rather than establishing a comprehensive rights document. Similarly, a detailed account of all health services received is not required under HIPAA; patients receive summarized information regarding their services but are not entitled to a full account of every detail as part of the privacy protocols established by the law.