Confidentiality of consumer health  information is protected under North Carolina laws and Federal regulations 42 CFR Part 2 and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164. Consumers’ protected health  information (PHI) is only shared with individuals with a legal right to the information. Consumers may have access to their NC-TOPPS information upon request.

NC-TOPPS falls under the “audit or evaluation exception” of the federal laws cited above. This clause allows collection and sharing of PHI with state and local government agencies for the purpose of oversight and evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of services. Consumers must be informed of this by including NC-TOPPS on the Notice of Privacy to consumers in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

Check the Guidelines for more detailed information.