<P> In addition, informed consent forms for research studies now are required to include extensive detail on how the participant's protected health information will be kept private . While such information is important, the addition of a lengthy, legalistic section on privacy may make these already complex documents even less user - friendly for patients who are asked to read and sign them . </P> <P> These data suggest that the HIPAA privacy rule, as currently implemented, may be having negative impacts on the cost and quality of medical research . Dr. Kim Eagle, professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan, was quoted in the Annals article as saying, "Privacy is important, but research is also important for improving care . We hope that we will figure this out and do it right ." </P> <P> The complexity of HIPAA, combined with potentially stiff penalties for violators, can lead physicians and medical centers to withhold information from those who may have a right to it . A review of the implementation of the HIPAA Privacy Rule by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that health care providers were "uncertain about their legal privacy responsibilities and often responded with an overly guarded approach to disclosing information...than necessary to ensure compliance with the Privacy rule". Reports of this uncertainty continue . </P> <P> In the period immediately prior to the enactment of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Acts, medical centers and medical practices were charged with getting "into compliance". With an early emphasis on the potentially severe penalties associated with violation, many practices and centers turned to private, for - profit "HIPAA consultants" who were intimately familiar with the details of the legislation and offered their services to ensure that physicians and medical centers were fully "in compliance". In addition to the costs of developing and revamping systems and practices, the increase in paperwork and staff time necessary to meet the legal requirements of HIPAA may impact the finances of medical centers and practices at a time when insurance companies' and Medicare reimbursement is also declining . </P>

3. health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996 (hipaa)