Question: I have personal information that a practicing dentist here in Honolulu allows family members (not employees) to pull and review patient charts.

I have always been of the opinion that the Medical Privacy Act was established to protect the personal privacy of the patient. Please advise me on this matter, as I do not wish to have the 'tainted' hands of those not authorized handling my chart.

Who would be the proper authority to report same if this is considered a violation. - Mahalo, Charles Clark, Kailua

Answer: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) enforces the federal privacy regulations commonly known as the HIPAA Privacy Rule (HIPAA).

HIPAA requires most doctors, nurses, pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care providers to protect the privacy of your health information.

As long as you do not object, your health care provider is allowed to share or discuss your health information with your family, friends, or others involved in your care or payment for your care.

Your provider may ask your permission, may tell you he or she plans to discuss the information and give you an opportunity to object, or may decide, using his or her professional judgment, that you do not object. In any of these cases, your health care provider may discuss only the information that the person involved needs to know about your care or payment for your care.

You can ask your provider or health insurer questions about how your health information is shared and about your rights. You can also learn more, including how to file a complaint with the U. S. Government, at the Web site at: www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa