Use and Disclosure of PHI - Without Authorization, but with Notification

Category: Privacy

Date: March 2003

Reviewed/Revised: April 2013

Policy

It is the policy of EVMS Medical Group to use protected healthcare information without the written authorization of the patient if the patient is informed in advance of the use of the information and the patient has the chance to agree or prohibit the use of this information.

Procedure

1. Inform the patient that there are situations in which healthcare information might be used that do not require the patient’s authorization or consent.
2. The information that might be released includes:
   1. Patient’s name
   2. Healthcare condition without providing the diagnosis
   3. Location within the hospital
   4. Religion
3. This information might be provided to:
   1. Clergy
   2. Anyone who asks for the patient by name, or
   3. The hospital’s directory
4. The patient can verbally refuse to have this healthcare information provided.
5. In the event of an emergency, should the patient be unable to provide consent or verbally refuse the release of confidential healthcare information, the hospital’s healthcare providers are expected to maintain that information that would be in the patient’s best interests.
6. EVMS Medical Group may disclose confidential healthcare information to a family member, other relative, close personal friend, significant other or any other person named by the patient if relevant to that named individual’s involvement in the patient’s care or if the named individual is responsible for paying for the patient’s healthcare services.
7. EVMS Medical Group may inform a family member, other relative, close personal friend, significant other, representative or any other person named by the patient of the patient’s location, general condition or death.
8. If the patient is present, EVMS Medical Group is permitted to release confidential healthcare information if the patient agrees.
9. If a Clinical Department suspects that a patient is a victim of domestic violence or abuse and a person seeking information about the patient may be the abuser, the Department should not release information about the patient if there is reason to believe that the information could cause harm to the patient.\
10. In the event the patient does not have the opportunity to agree or object to the release of confidential healthcare information, EVMS Medical Group can release the information if, in the professional judgment of the provider, releasing the information is in the best interests of the patient. Only information that is relevant to the individual’s involvement in the patient’s healthcare may be released.
11. In the event of a disaster, EVMS Medical Group may release confidential healthcare information to a public or private entity to assist in disaster relief efforts.