HIPAA

“Paula Thomas believes HIPAA laws are preventing investigators from confirming her missing sister, Hueytown native Pam Biggers, is a patient at a Mansfield, Ohio mental clinic. ‘You can’t get any information no matter what the explanation you give them. It is against the law for them to give you information’” (HIPAA Problems, Ohnemus). Cases like this are not unique among the outcomes of the new medical law. Even in situations involving law enforcement and family need, HIPAA cannot give information. While Paula Thomas has a legitimate reason for seeking data on her missing sister, the law is entirely well intentioned. Despite HIPAA’s many inconveniences, in a society where legislative power has more authority than private conduct, it is more significant for government to create a law that protects an individual’s right to privacy.