Gravie plan sponsors: Distribution of NPP required by April 17

Language addressing substance use disorder protections has been added to the Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP). Gravie released a template today containing the new requirements and advises employers to provide a copy to group health plan participants by the April 17 deadline.

It’s been more than a decade since the Department of Health and Human Services has revised the NPP. NPPs are often included in a group’s summary plan description; however, HIPAA identifies additional circumstances in which a notice must be provided.

• Provide a revised notice to individuals then covered by the plan within 60 days of a material revision.
• A covered entity must make its notice available to any person who asks for it.
• A covered entity must prominently post and make available its notice on any website it maintains that provides information about its customer services or benefits (generally applicable to providers and insurers.)
• Notify individuals then covered by the plan of the availability of and how to obtain the notice at least once every three years.

For additional information, contact your Bukaty benefits consultant.