Compelled authorizations for disclosure of health records: magnitude and implications.
Each year individuals are required to execute millions of authorizations for the release of their health records as a condition of employment, applying for various types of insurance, and submitting claims for benefits. Generally, there are no restrictions on the scope of information released pursuant to these compelled authorizations, and the development of a nationwide system of interoperable electronic health records will increase the amount of health information released. After quantifying the extent of these disclosures, this article discusses why it is important to limit disclosures of health information for nonmedical purposes as well as how it may be possible to do so.
Rothstein
Mark A
MA
Institute for Bioethics, Health Policy and Law, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 501 East Broadway, Suite 310, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. mark.rothstein@louisville.edu
Talbott
Meghan K
MK
D003219:Confidentiality; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D030881:Disclosure / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D004651:Employment / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D020408:Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; D006801:Humans; D007341:Insurance / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D018868:Insurance, Disability; D007348:Insurance, Health; D007352:Insurance, Life; D007353:Insurance, Long-Term Care; D008499:Medical Records; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D014481:United States; D014942:Workers' Compensation