HHS Office for Civil Rights Briefing on Recent Rulemaking

HRSA

Participants joined HRSA to hear directly from HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) on recent final rules important to health centers and other HRSA awardees.

Speakers addressed these rules:

The Final Rule strengthens the HIPAA Privacy Rule (1996) by prohibiting the disclosure of protected health information (PHI) related to lawful reproductive health care in certain circumstances. Learn more on the HHS website.

On May 1, OCR finalized a rule that prohibits discrimination based on disability. This rule, titled Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in HHS Programs or Activities, advances equity and bolsters protections for people with disabilities under Section 504. It clarifies and strengthens civil rights protections for people with disabilities, addresses discrimination in medical treatment, adds enforceable standards for accessible medical diagnostic equipment, and ensures accessible web content and mobile apps. Learn more on the HHS website.

On April 26, OCR issued a final rule under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), advancing protections against discrimination in health care. Learn more on the HHS website.