Question of the Week: How can we verify the identity of public officials?
HIPAA Weekly Advisor, February 2, 2004
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QUESTION: What verification methods are acceptable to verify the identity of public officials?
Answer: A covered entity may rely, if such reliance is reasonable under the circumstances, on any of the following to verify identity when the disclosure of protected health information is to a public official or a person acting on behalf of the public official:
--If the request is made in person, presentation of an agency identification badge, other official credentials, or other proof of government status;
--If the request is in writing, the request is on the appropriate government letterhead; or
--If the disclosure is to a person acting on behalf of a public official, a written statement on appropriate government letterhead that the person is acting under the government's authority or other evidence or documentation of agency, such as a contract for services, memorandum of understanding, or purchase order, that establishes that the person is acting on behalf of the public official.
For more information see 45 CFR Section 164.514(h) Verification Requirements
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