OCR amends HIPAA Privacy Rule guidance for convalescent plasma

The Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued amended guidance related to the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The guidance states that health plans can contact plan members who have recovered from COVID-19 to inform them about donating plasma to help treat others. The guidance complements the FDA’s emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma use in COVID-19 patients. However, providers and health plans cannot receive payment in exchange for these communications without authorization from the individuals.