When public health emergencies are declared, the Secretary of the HHS may choose to waive certain sanctions and penalties for noncompliance with specific provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. Secretary Azar has announced that, effective March 15, 2020, a limited HIPAA waiver has is in place covering the following provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Rule: The requirements to obtain a patient’s agreement to speak with family members or friends involved in the patient’s care – 45 CFR 164.510(b) The requirement to honor a request to opt out of the facility directory – 45 CFR 164.510(a); The requirement to distribute a notice of privacy practices – 45 CFR 164.520 ***The patient’s right to request privacy restrictions – 45 CFR 164.522(a)*** The patient’s right to request confidential communications – 45 CFR 164.522(b) https://www.hipaajournal.com/hipaa-compliance-and-covid-19-coronavirus/