Certified Research Administrator Practice Exam

Which of the following uses of Protected Health Information may be disclosed without the patient's specific authorization under the HIPAA privacy rule?

1. Data compilation for targeted health insurance marketing

2. Research

3. Providing care to a patient or referring a patient to another provider for care

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Providing care to a patient or referring a patient to another provider for care

Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, the use of Protected Health Information (PHI) without a patient's specific authorization is primarily allowed when it is necessary for treatment purposes. Therefore, providing care to a patient or referring that patient to another provider for care falls under this allowance. This is essential for ensuring that patients receive continuous and coordinated care without unnecessary barriers, ensuring their health needs are met effectively. In contrast, data compilation for targeted health insurance marketing typically requires specific patient authorization because it is not directly related to the provision or coordination of care. Similarly, while research can sometimes be conducted using PHI without explicit authorization under certain circumstances (like in cases where a waiver of consent is granted), it generally involves more stringent conditions and is not as broadly covered as treatment-related disclosures. Therefore, the correct answer is aligned with the specific provisions of HIPAA regarding treatment-related disclosures, highlighting the emphasis on patient care continuity.