Final answer:
Patients sign a form acknowledging their understanding of the HIPAA policy, which does not permit sharing of personal health information without specific consent.
Step-by-step explanation:
When patients review the HIPAA written policy, they sign a form that acknowledges their understanding of the policy. This acknowledgment does not allow the office to share their information with third parties without additional, specific consent, nor does it waive their rights to privacy or give the office permission to sell their data. Patients' privacy rights are protected under HIPAA, which strictly controls the confidentiality and sharing of health records to prevent unauthorized disclosure and ensure patients' privacy. In the context of health care, informed consent forms may be used for research or treatment, confirming that patients or participants understand the processes, the privacy measures, and their own rights.