Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

What does the HIPAA Privacy Rule require for the disclosure of PHI?

1. Automatic approval by patients

2. Authorization during emergencies

3. Authorization unless specifically exempted

4. No authorization is needed

The correct answer is: Authorization unless specifically exempted

The HIPAA Privacy Rule requires that Protected Health Information (PHI) cannot be disclosed without the appropriate authorization from the patient, unless a specific exemption applies. This means that healthcare providers and organizations must obtain written consent from patients prior to sharing their PHI with third parties, except in certain situations where the law allows for disclosure without consent, such as for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. This framework is essential for protecting patient privacy and ensuring that individuals have control over their sensitive health information. By requiring authorization in most cases, the rule helps maintain patient trust and confidentiality. Some exemptions exist where disclosure may occur without patient authorization, such as for public health activities, law enforcement situations, or to comply with other regulatory requirements. However, these exceptions are limited and specific in nature, emphasizing the rule’s overarching requirement for patient consent.