Notice of Privacy Practices - Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I getting this Notice of Privacy Practices?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule requires the

Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) as a HIPAA covered

entity to mail out this Notice to all Veterans enrolled for VA health care benefits or

eligible to enroll for VA health care benefits regardless if you are receiving care from

By law, all Veterans eligible to enroll or enrolled for VA health care benefits must be notified

every three years of their privacy rights, unless there are changes or updates to the Notice

which requires more frequent mailings. You may have not been enrolled when the previous

Notice was mailed out.

I don’t go to the VA, why am I getting this?... and…Does this mean I am

now eligible for VA benefits?

All Veterans eligible to enroll or enrolled for VA health care benefits receive this Notice

whether you receive treatment at VA or not. Receipt of this Notice does not mean you

are eligible for other VA benefits.

What is this Notice of Privacy Practices all about?

This Notice of Privacy Practices defines for you what is meant by “health information.” The

Notice also informs you on how VHA may use or disclose your health information and

discusses your Veteran privacy rights.

Why should I care about the information contained in the Notice of Privacy

Practices?

The Notice provides information on how to exercise your privacy rights. Specifically, the

notice informs you on how to obtain a copy of your VA medical record, request an

Examples: Requests from an attorney, employers, and family members not involved in your

care. In most cases VHA is required to have your authorization unless the disclosure is

required by law or some other legal authority exists.

Who else besides the VA/VHA, may have my health information?

The Notice provides information on who may have access to your health information

depending on the purpose of the release. We recommend you review it carefully and

contact the Privacy Officer at the VHA health care facility where you receive care if you

have further questions. (Note: The Call Center has the VHA Privacy Officer Roster link

How do I obtain another copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices, or a copy

in larger print?

You may obtain another copy of this Notice or a large print format from the facility, (e.g., the

also print out this Notice at:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/searchresults.cfm

What does the effective date on the Notice of Privacy Practices mean?

The September 30, 2019 date on this Notice of Privacy Practices means that this is a

revised/updated version of the Notice of Privacy Practices dated September 23, 2013.

I just don’t understand this. Who can I call to get a “line by line”

explanation of these Privacy Practices?

The NOPP is outlining your privacy rights under the law; however, if you have a specific

question, you can contact your facility privacy officer. Do you need the name of the facility

Privacy Officer? (Note: The Call Center has the VHA Privacy Officer Roster link to look

up who the Privacy Officer is at a facility). Or, you can write to the national VHA Privacy

Office (10A7B), Office of Health Informatics, 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C.

20420 or via telephone at 1-877-461-5038.

Who do I contact if I believe my Privacy rights have been violated?

Contact the Privacy Officer at the VHA health care facility where you are receiving health

care. The Privacy Officer will begin a formal investigation into your complaint. Do you need

the name of the facility Privacy Officer? (Note: The Call Center has the VHA Privacy

Is there a Spanish version of the Notice?

No. (Note: The VA is not required by law to provide a Spanish version of this Notice.)

NON-NOPP QUESTIONS (Based on questions the Hotline received during the last

mailing)

How do I apply for VA benefits?

To apply for VA health care benefits, including enrollment you must fill out an

Who do I notify when there is a change of address or that the Veteran is

deceased?

Contact the Enrollment Office at the VA facility where you, or your spouse, receive care.

You can also change your address and other contact information online by going to your

profile at www.VA.gov .

I suspect identity theft because of someone having access to my VA

health records. Who do I report this to?

You may contact the VA Identity Theft Help Line at 1-855-578-5492

VetLex

Who do I contact about a medical bill I have received from the VA?

If you need assistance understanding your medical bill, call the VA Health Resource Center

at 866-400-1238 option 2.