The Office for Civil Rights has issued new guidance on when and how healthcare providers can share a patient’s health information with his or her family members, friends, and legal personal representatives when the patient may be in crisis and incapacitated, such as during an opioid overdose. The following information will explain how a practice… Continue reading
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Disclosures for Treatment Purposes
There are circumstances under which a patient’s authorization is NOT required to disclose their protected health information (PHI). One of those circumstances is when covered entities, such as practices, share patient information with another provider for treatment purposes. Many practices do not understand this provision, and require other practices to obtain a signed authorization before… Continue reading
Continue readingDisclosure Requests for Legal Proceedings
Disclosure of protected health information (PHI) for use in legal proceedings is permitted under certain circumstances. If a covered entity receives a court order that is signed by a judge, requesting PHI, it should comply with the order and provide the information that is specifically requested. If the practice receives a subpoena, discovery request, or… Continue reading
Continue readingDisclosure of PHI Obtained From Other Providers
Patients have the right to request a copy of their medical record, and covered entities must provide it and include any information that was created by, or obtained from other healthcare providers that is contained in the patient record. The Privacy Rule states: “A covered entity is required to provide access to protected health information… Continue reading
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