Exclusive Interview with AHP President William McGinly
In 1996, Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), eventually implementing rules and guidelines designed to ensure patient privacy standards. The established rules are to be followed by doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers to ensure records, billing, and patient information meet consistent standards regarding privacy.
For purposes of professional fundraising, and under the new regulations, the healthcare provider may only disclose limited demographic information. For an industry that is reliant upon public and private support, these limitations can be staggering.
Since the implementation of the privacy act, healthcare organizations across the United States have encountered several road blocks to fulfilling fundraising goals. Healthcare organizations have a legitimate need to raise funds in support of research, salaries, equipment, and services. Over the past several years, these organizations have realized that philanthropic support from grateful patients is essential to continued growth and development. For many institutions, grateful patients are the foundation of their fundraising programs and communicating with them directly is a critical part of philanthropic efforts.
The Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) has led the way to easing the stronghold that federal government regulations created by passing HIPAA rules. As an active force in healthcare legislation and policy guidance, AHP leaders and members have helped legislators understand the impact of those guidelines. Recently, AHP President and CEO William McGinly discussed his concerns and outlook with RuffaloCODY Vice President Timothy Logan. RuffaloCODY is committed to providing ethical, professional fundraising services to healthcare organizations and supports the efforts of AHP, and the industry expertise provided by Bill McGinly. Following is a brief summary of his comments. Read More >>
View the complete interview.
