What is a HIPAA Authorization Form?
We are frequently asked to explain specific HIPAA compliance rules provisions.
What is HIPAA authorisation, a subject that has recently been asked in relation to disclosures of protected health information (PHI) and medical records?
What is HIPAA Authorization?
The HIPAA Privacy Rule (in force since April 14, 2003) established guidelines for the permitted uses and disclosures of health information, including who can receive the information and under what conditions it can be shared.
Healthcare providers, health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, business associates of HIPAA-covered businesses, and other entities subject to the HIPAA Rules are all permitted to share health information in specific situations under the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
In general, allowed uses and disclosures include reporting problems like domestic abuse to public health organisations and using the information for treatment, payment, or health care operations.
A patient’s or health plan member’s HIPAA authorization is their assent, which enables a covered entity or business associate to use or disclose PHI to someone or something for a purpose that would otherwise be prohibited by the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
Without HIPAA authorization, such a use or disclosure of PHI would be against the law, subject the violator to harsh financial penalties, and maybe even result in criminal charges.
When is HIPAA Authorization Required?
The uses and disclosures of PHI that call for a patient’s or plan member’s consent to disclose or utilise the information are outlined in 45 CFR 164.508 in detail. You need HIPAA authorization for:
The HIPAA Privacy Rule prohibits the use or disclosure of PHI in other circumstances.
Use or disclosure of PHI for marketing purposes is prohibited, unless the covered entity and the individual are speaking face-to-face or the communication involves a promotional gift with a low value.
Use or disclosure of psychotherapy notes for any purpose other than particular treatment, payment, or health care operations is prohibited (see 45 CFR 164.508(a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii)).
Use or disclosure of information about drug abuse and treatment.
Utilization or disclosure of PHI for analysis.
Before protected health information is sold.
