Ask the expert: May a provider who believes a patient may not be capable of driving due to a physical problem inform authorities?
HIM Connection, September 9, 2008
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A: HIPAA permits this type of reporting only when necessary to prevent or reduce a serious and imminent threat to the patient or others. You must report the information to someone who can reasonably be expected to prevent the anticipated harm. Remember that HIPAA creates a minimum standard. And remember to check your state laws on the subject as well. Whichever law is more stringent would take precedence.
Editor's note: This Q&A was excerpted from the September issue of Medical Records Briefing. For more information, visit www.hcpro.com/content/217076.cfm.
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