So would I!  In my corner of the HIPAA arena, I find that many avenues of communication between agencies have been "walled up" with HIPAA.  Where before, I could simply make calls regarding clients and gather information to help them find services, all manner of new releases and restrictions face me and my co-workers.  But, to me, this seems like a step in the right direction, so that way, sloppy workers and less than scrupulous professionals can't get at info.  The way I read the HIPAA regs, if Tom Ridge, John Ashcroft or even the President Hisself were to trot through my door and ask about one of my clients, I'd be able to say (with a smile) I have no idea who you're talking about, "Sir.  Come back when you have the appropriate releases. The door's over there."

However, from a PATIENT'S point of view, the whole thing could look scary.  I contend that the same program viewed from different sides of the waiting room window could reveal completely different perspectives.

PRH