Question: Is the SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT) Program HIPAA Compliant?
Yes, the SOAR Online Application Tracking (OAT) program is fully HIPAA compliant. The system does not collect any personally identifying information about applicants during any part of the process. When users add a new applicant to the database, they create a unique applicant ID. The use of this ID avoids the need for personally identifiable information and helps prevent case duplication.
The ID is a 10-digit alphanumeric in the following format: xx00xx0000 (2 letters/2numbers/2 letters/4 numbers). It can be any letters and numbers you choose - just be sure to note it in your hard copy records.
Additional demographic information collected about an applicant is limited to age (without birthdate) and gender.
Question: If an applicant wants to "fire" their attorney, will they have to pay them a fee?
Generally when an attorney is fired after the individual has signed the SSA-1696 (and possibly other binding documents with the attorney), the attorney has to file a fee petition with SSA defending their right to be paid. The attorney/representative must detail what services were performed while assisting the applicant. You can read more about the fee petition on the SSA website and see the form that is filed: http://www.ssa.gov/representation/fee_petitions.htm. SSA will determine whether or not the representative is granted the entire fee or a partial fee.
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