Description
Every use and disclosure of protected health information needs a lawful basis under HIPAA. Many organizations handle this inconsistently because the rules have never been clearly documented for their workforce.
The Uses and Disclosures of PHI Policy Template provides a comprehensive, editable policy covering the full range of circumstances under which your organization may use or disclose PHI and those that require patient authorization. It is aligned to the Privacy Rule at 45 CFR 164.502 through 164.514 and gives both your compliance program and your workforce a clear reference for handling PHI correctly.
Unauthorized or undocumented disclosures are the most frequently cited basis for Privacy Rule enforcement actions. A clear, implemented policy helps prevent those violations and creates a documented record of how your organization approaches them.
What This Template Covers
- Permitted uses and disclosures without authorization for treatment, payment, and operations
- Uses and disclosures that require patient authorization
- Uses and disclosures for public interest and benefit activities
- Special PHI categories with heightened protections covering mental health, substance use, HIV status, reproductive health, and genetic information
- Minimum necessary standard application to disclosures
- Incidental uses and disclosures and the applicable safe harbor conditions
- Accounting of disclosures: what must be tracked and for how long
- Authorization requirements covering required elements, revocation, and defects
- Documentation and recordkeeping requirements
Who This Is For
Privacy officers and compliance teams at covered entities including physician practices, behavioral health providers, dental offices, hospitals, and health plans that need a complete, policy-level document governing PHI uses and disclosures across their organization.
Delivered as an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) file. Available immediately after purchase.
