Final answer:
Under certain situations, a patient's written authorization is required before using or disclosing their protected health information.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), a patient's written authorization is required before using or disclosing their protected health information in certain situations.
For example, a patient's written authorization may be needed to:
- Share medical records with a third party, such as an insurance company
- Disclose health information for research purposes
- Release information to a family member or friend
Obtaining written authorization helps to ensure that the patient's privacy rights are respected and their health information is kept confidential.