AHIP AHM-250: Privacy standards to control the use and disclosure of health information.

Question

The administrative simplification standards described under Title II of HIPAA include privacy standards to control the use and disclosure of health information. In general, these privacy standards prohibit:

A. all health plans, healthcare providers, and healthcare clearinghouses from using any protected health information for purposes of treatment, payment, or healthcare operations without an individual’s written consent
B. patients from requesting that restrictions be placed on the accessibility and use of protected health information
C. transmission of individually identifiable health information for purposes other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations without the individual’s written authorization
D. patients from accessing their medical records and requesting the amendment of incorrect or incomplete information

Answer

C. transmission of individually identifiable health information for purposes other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations without the individual’s written authorization

Explanation

The correct answer is C. The privacy standards described under Title II of HIPAA prohibit the transmission of individually identifiable health information for purposes other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations without the individual’s written authorization.

The privacy standards established under Title II of HIPAA, known as the Administrative Simplification provisions, aim to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ health information. These standards apply to covered entities such as health plans, healthcare providers, and healthcare clearinghouses.

One of the key aspects of the privacy standards is the control over the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI). PHI refers to individually identifiable health information that is created, received, or maintained by covered entities.

According to HIPAA’s privacy standards, covered entities are allowed to use and disclose PHI without an individual’s written consent or authorization for the purposes of treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. Treatment refers to the provision, coordination, or management of healthcare, while payment involves activities such as billing and insurance claims. Healthcare operations encompass various administrative and support functions within a healthcare organization.

However, the privacy standards impose strict limitations on the use and disclosure of PHI for other purposes not related to treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. In such cases, covered entities are required to obtain the individual’s written authorization. This written authorization must be specific and clearly state the purpose for which the PHI will be used or disclosed.

Option A is incorrect because the privacy standards do not require written consent for the use of protected health information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. In these cases, covered entities are allowed to use and disclose PHI without obtaining explicit consent, as long as it is done within the permitted boundaries.

Option B is incorrect because HIPAA grants individuals the right to request restrictions on the accessibility and use of their protected health information. However, this does not imply a prohibition on such requests. The covered entity has the discretion to accept or deny the requested restrictions, but patients have the right to make the request.

Option D is incorrect because HIPAA grants individuals the right to access their medical records and request the amendment of incorrect or incomplete information. The privacy standards emphasize the importance of individuals having control and access to their health information, enabling them to ensure its accuracy and completeness.

Reference

• Healthcare Management: An Introduction (AHM250) – AHIP
• Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule | HHS.gov
• Privacy | HHS.gov
• HIPAA Privacy Rule – Updated for 2023 (hipaajournal.com)
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) | CDC
• Information Blocking Regulations Work in Concert with HIPAA Rules and Other Privacy Laws to Support Health Information Privacy – Health IT Buzz Health IT Buzz
• HIPAA Privacy Rule Summary (hipaasurvivalguide.com)
• Microsoft Word – MythsFacts3A_Jan 7 09-1.docx (cdt.org)
• HIPAA – Top 8 Employer Misconceptions.pdf (fisherphillips.com)
• CMS Manual System
• 2071 – Can the device identifier (DI) portion of a Unique Device Identifier (UDI) be part of a limited or de-identified data set as defined under HIPAA? | HHS.gov

AHIP Healthcare Management: An Introduction AHM-250 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the AHIP Healthcare Management: An Introduction AHM-250 exam and earn AHIP Healthcare Management: An Introduction AHM-250 certification.