Final answer:
Patient authorization is generally not required for disclosure to workers' compensation boards, Bureau of Disability Determination, for health oversight activities, or for public health activities, as such disclosures are covered by legal exceptions in laws like HIPAA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The circumstances that require patient authorization prior to disclosure typically include scenarios where personal health information is shared for reasons not covered under the standard exemptions as defined by laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). While HIPAA permits certain disclosures without patient consent, such as for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, other disclosures generally do require patient authorization. For instance, disclosures to a workers' compensation board for a workers' compensation claim may not require authorization, as laws mandate the release of information necessary for workers' compensation proceedings. Similarly, disclosure to the Bureau of Disability Determination may occur without consent as part of the social security or disability benefits process. In the case of health oversight activity, such as audits or government investigations, patient information can also be disclosed without authorization. Lastly, disclosure for public health activities, like reporting diseases or medical surveillance for public health investigations, don't necessitate patient authorization either.