HIPAA and Landlords

January 1, 2009

I am opening a new practice and am asking the landlord to agree that if they (or their employees) enter my office for any reason (to fix an electrical problem, for example) they will not disclose patient information they might run across. Of course, I will do my best to ensure no patient info is out when I am not there, but I want this to cover my backside. Is there a standard form to deal with these situations?

Question: I am opening a new practice and am asking the landlord to agree that if they (or their employees) enter my office for any reason (to fix an electrical problem, for example) they will not disclose patient information they might run across. Of course, I will do my best to ensure no patient info is out when I am not there, but I want this to cover my backside. Is there a standard form to deal with these situations?

Answer: Take a look at our Business Associates Agreement: HIPAA. You’ll want some variation of an agreement like this. Basically, it says the landlord won’t disclose any personal health information and, if he does, he is liable.