HHS Won’t Crack Down on Privacy Violations at Virus Test Sites

Health-care providers and business associates operating coronavirus testing sites in communities won’t be penalized for some privacy rule violations, HHS said Thursday.

The Department of Health and Human Services loosened regulations under health privacy laws in order to expand the number of local testing sites available. These sites include mobile, drive-through, or walk-up sites that collect Covid-19 specimens or provide testing services to the public, according to the guidance.

The covered entities, however, must be acting in good faith, such as helping the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and other state ...