Ask the expert: May we release patient information that originated from other facilities?
HIM Connection, March 18, 2008
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A: If a patient (or legally authorized representative) provides specific written authorization directing the hospital to release the information from another facility, it is permissible to do so except in substance abuse treatment facilities (refer to 42 CFR 2.32). However, exercise extra caution any time you release information to anyone other than the patient/representative or for continuing care. Refer the requestor to the document's originator in these cases, if at all possible.
Editor's note: Chris Simons, RHIA, director of HIMS and privacy officer for Spring Harbor Hospital in Westbrook, ME, answered this question.
This Q&A was excerpted from the March 2008 issue of Medical Records Briefing. For more information, visit http://www.hcpro.com/content/205680.cfm.
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