Health Information Management

Who is entitled to access the information in our facility directory?

HIPAA Weekly Advisor, December 13, 2004

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Unless the patient has exercised the "opt-out" provision, you can share the patient's directory information (excluding the religious affiliation information) with any person who asks for the patient by name.

You can also disclose directory information, including religious affiliation information, to a member of the clergy even if the clergy member does not request information by patient name.

The facility is not required to inquire about the religious affiliation of an individual and individuals are not required to supply that information, according to commentary from HHS.

Attorneys from Bricker and Eckler answered this question. Go to Section 164.510(a) Use and Disclosure for Facility Directories for more information.



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