Question

In which of the following cases would a prior written authorization be required before the covered entity could make the disclosure under the HIPAA Privacy Rule?

a) Disclosure for treatment purposes
b) Disclosure to a healthcare provider
c) Disclosure for public health activities
d) Disclosure for research purposes

Answer 1

A prior written authorization would be required before making a disclosure for research purposes under the HIPAA Privacy Rule.

Step-by-step explanation:

Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, a prior written authorization would be required before a covered entity could make a disclosure in the following case: d) Disclosure for research purposes. In this case, a covered entity would need to obtain written authorization from the individual or their legal representative before disclosing their protected health information for research purposes.

For the other options:

• a) Disclosure for treatment purposes: Prior written authorization is generally not required for disclosures of protected health information for treatment purposes.
• b) Disclosure to a healthcare provider: Prior written authorization is generally not required for disclosures of protected health information to a healthcare provider for treatment purposes.
• c) Disclosure for public health activities: Prior written authorization is generally not required for disclosures of protected health information for public health activities.