State Law Overrides HIPPA, Texas Appeals Court Rules

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A Texas appellate court ruled that the state’s public information laws override federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). The case resulted from a request by the Austin American-Statesman for statistical information at state mental health facilities. The request was refused, citing HIPPA. The court decision upholds a 2004 opinion of the state’s Attorney General Greg Abbott that said information that is public under Texas law would remain public. (6/19/06)