Question

Under HIPAA guidelines, which type of emergency care may require disclosure to an outside organization due to legislative regulations, without any patient knowledge or consent?

A) Routine Checkup
B) Trauma Care
C) Mental Health Treatment
D) Public Health Activities

Answer 1

HIPAA guidelines permit the disclosure of patient information without consent for public health activities, which can include reporting diseases, surveillance, and investigations to serve the public interest.

Step-by-step explanation:

Under HIPAA guidelines, disclosure of patient information to an outside organization without patient knowledge or consent is often permitted for certain types of emergency care. In the context of the options provided, Public Health Activities (D) may require such disclosure due to legislative regulations.

Examples of these activities include reporting communicable diseases, public health surveillance, and investigations. Disclosures in these circumstances are considered to serve the greater public interest. It is important to note that HIPAA has specific provisions that allow for the necessary sharing of information to protect the public's health.