Thread by @AIWashburn

THREAD:
1) A word on how HIPAA actually works, from an attorney who has worked as a HIPAA Privacy compliance consultant (me):

Anyone can request anything they want, at any time. ...

2) I can ask about you, you can ask about me, a reporter can call a hospital and ask whatever questions they want about whoever, and a cop can ask someone who claims to have a medical condition and therefore cannot wear a mask to document the existence of said condition.

3) HIPAA does not protect you from someone asking a question. Asking a question is NOT a HIPAA violation. Period, full stop.

Rather, HIPAA protects you from having third parties, such as medical providers and insurers, from releasing your medical information ...

4) without your authorization, and even then, there are some significant exceptions.

In the case of claiming a medical condition prevents you from wearing a mask pursuant to a governor's order to do so, for example, you may claim that privilege (no, it's NOT a right), ...

5) but then the cop enforcing the order is entitled to ask you to document the question. He can ask you that question. Now, you don't have to provide the requested documentation - and you don't have to say that you can't, you can just remain silent, if you prefer. ...

6) But then, expect to get hit with a fine for violating the order.

If you want the state to provide some kind of exemption license, like, for example, a handicapped parking card, ...

7) be prepare to have the state require you to provide documentation of a medical condition that entitles you to that privilege, or to require you to give your doctor authorization to provide such documentation for you.

Get it, now?