Discussion and action to exclude any video recording in areas where Protected Health Information (PHI) may be captured within Hidalgo County Health & Human Services facilities as determined by Hidalgo County Health & Human Services authorized Administration but to maintain video recording in public areas such as lobbies, entrances, hallways, storage areas or as otherwise determined by authorized Administration as per Health & Human Services Department and County surveillance camera policies.  This is supported by Hidalgo County Security Camera Policy (SCP.1) and will bring Hidalgo County Health & Human Services facilities in compliance with federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Texas Medical Records Privacy statute (Health & Safety Code, Chapter 181) and Texas Department of State Health Services Confidential Information Security Procedures.  

• 03/12/2019 - AI-69363 - Security Camera Policy,
• Federal Public Law 104-191
• Health & Safety Code, Chapter 181 Medical Records Privacy 
• DSHS TB/HIV/STD Section Confidential Information Security Procedures Sec 9.3
• HC Auditor's Office Report No. 2019-559

Covered Entities such as Hidalgo County are required to protect an individual's Protected Health Information (PHI).  The burden is placed on the Covered Entity to have measures in place that will comply with the requirements. Camera use that can capture images that can include PHI whether still or in motion adversely impact the requirements to protect PHI and can subject Hidalgo County to fines and penalties.