Final answer:
The Privacy Rule permits the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) in several circumstances, such as with patient authorization, providing access to the individual who is the subject of the PHI, or incident to legitimate use or disclosure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Privacy Rule, established under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), permits several uses and disclosures of Protected Health Information (PHI).
- Pursuant to a valid patient authorization: If the patient provides written authorization, their PHI can be used or disclosed for the purposes specified in the authorization.
- Disclosures to the individual who is the subject of the PHI: The patient has the right to access and receive a copy of their own PHI.
- Incident to another legitimate use or disclosure: PHI can be disclosed as part of routine healthcare operations or for the purpose of treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.
Therefore, options a, b, and c are all permitted uses and disclosures of PHI according to the Privacy Rule.