
HIPAA Privacy Rule: What Happens 50 Years After Death?
Healthcare regulations can feel like a maze, especially when they involve sensitive topics like patient privacy. One fascinating aspect of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is what happens to a patient's protected health information (PHI) after they pass away. You might be surprised to learn that HIPAA's Privacy Rule extends protections for 50 years after a person's death. Let's explore why this matters, how it works, and what it means for healthcare professionals, family members, and even historians.

