Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

Under HIPAA, when can a patient's protected health information be disclosed without authorization?

1. Only in emergencies

2. With few exceptions for treatment, payment, and health care operations

3. When authorized by a family member

4. Only if requested by law enforcement

The correct answer is: With few exceptions for treatment, payment, and health care operations

The correct answer is that a patient's protected health information (PHI) can be disclosed without authorization under specific circumstances, primarily related to treatment, payment, and health care operations. Under HIPAA regulations, these areas are considered essential for the functioning of the healthcare system. For instance, healthcare providers can share information among themselves to ensure ongoing treatment of a patient. Similarly, health insurance companies can use PHI to process claims and payments. These provisions facilitate seamless healthcare delivery while still safeguarding patient confidentiality by restricting access to necessary information rather than requiring explicit authorization for every instance. The other options present narrower or incorrect interpretations of the circumstances under which PHI can be shared. Disclosures only in emergencies do not encompass all the scenarios where PHI can be shared for operational efficiencies. While family members can sometimes be privy to information, consent from the patient or specific criteria must usually be met, meaning it's not a blanket allowance. Finally, disclosures strictly at the request of law enforcement would not cover the broader operational needs addressed in the correct answer.