Question

According to HIPAA, how can patient information be released?

with signed permission

with digital recordkeeping

with a verbal agreement from a patient

with permission from a patient’s insurance company

Answer 1

Correct answer: with signed permission.

Brief explanation:
- HIPAA requires a valid, written and signed authorization from the patient (or their legal representative) to disclose protected health information (PHI) in situations not covered by permitted uses.
- PHI may also be shared without a separate signed authorization for treatment, payment (e.g., to the patient’s insurer), and health‑care operations, or when required by law — but a verbal agreement alone is generally not sufficient for disclosures that require an authorization. Digital recordkeeping is a method of storing records, not a basis for releasing them. Permission from the insurer does not authorize the provider to release a patient’s PHI to others.