HIPAA and Privacy ActQuestion 4 of 14Gina received a call from a police officer who was requesting medical information needed infiling a police report for a member who had a gunshot wound.Can she provide the requested information?A) Yes, as long as the police officer provides the member's SSN and DOB.B) Yes, she can provide the information right away.C) No, because the police officer is not related to the member.D) No, because gunshot wounds are not covered in the member's plan.Submit
Answer (1)
Answer:The correct answer is A) Yes, as long as the police officer provides the member's SSN and DOB. Here's why: - HIPAA and Law Enforcement: HIPAA allows for the release of protected health information (PHI) to law enforcement under specific circumstances.- Police Reports: One of these circumstances is when law enforcement needs information to file a police report. In this case, the police officer is requesting information for a police report related to a gunshot wound.- Verification: HIPAA requires that the police officer verify the identity of the member by providing their SSN and DOB. This is to ensure the correct person's information is being accessed. Why the other options are incorrect: - B) Yes, she can provide the information right away. This is incorrect because HIPAA requires verification of the member's identity before releasing information.- C) No, because the police officer is not related to the member. This is incorrect because HIPAA allows for disclosure to law enforcement, regardless of their relationship to the member, under certain conditions.- D) No, because gunshot wounds are not covered in the member's plan. This is incorrect because HIPAA protects all health information, regardless of whether it's covered by a specific plan. Important Note: Gina should be aware of the specific requirements for releasing PHI to law enforcement under HIPAA, and she should ensure that the police officer is providing a valid request and verifying the member's identity.
