Final answer:
A healthcare provider may disclose Protected Health Information (PHI) without the client's consent in certain situations as allowed by HIPAA.
Step-by-step explanation:
A healthcare provider may disclose Protected Health Information (PHI) without the client's consent in certain situations as allowed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These situations include:
- When required by law, such as reporting certain communicable diseases to public health authorities.
- When necessary for the treatment of the individual or for the coordination or management of healthcare services.
- When required for public health activities, such as notifying individuals about recalls of medical devices or medications.
- When necessary for law enforcement purposes, such as in response to a valid court order or subpoena.
However, healthcare providers must always balance the client's privacy rights with the need to disclose information to protect individual and public health.