Despite initial reports, the Department of Health and Human Services did not issue a HIPAA waiver following the mass shooting in Orlando, nor was one required, Modern Healthcare reports. "HIPAA allows health care professionals the flexibility to disclose limited health information to the public or media in appropriate circumstances,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Kevin Griffis. “These disclosures, which are made when it is determined to be in the best interest of a patient, are permissible without a waiver to help identify incapacitated patients, or to locate family members of patients to share information about their condition. Disclosures are permissible to same sex, as well as opposite sex, partners." Wiley Rein Partner Kirk Nahra said, "The regulations build in appropriate judgment to be reasonable and compassionate in circumstances like this." HIPAA waivers are very rare. The last waiver was issued after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
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