Health Information Management

Can we make disclosures to law enforcement if we believe a death resulted from a criminal act?

HIPAA Weekly Advisor, December 19, 2005

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A covered entity can disclose to a law enforcement official protected health information (PHI) about an individual who has died if the covered entity has a suspicion that the death resulted from criminal conduct. The covered entity can make this disclosure without authorization from the individual's representative.

For more information see Section 164.512(f) Disclosures for Law Enforcement Purposes of the Bricker & Eckler Web site.

Editor's note: Attorneys from Bricker & Eckler, LLP, answered this question. This is not legal advice. Consult with your attorney for legal matters.



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