When is disclosure of PHI without authorization permitted?

Disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) without authorization is permitted when it is limited to only the minimum amount necessary for the intended purpose. This principle is a core component of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which aims to protect patient privacy while allowing certain necessary disclosures. The minimum necessary standard ensures that individuals' health information is not exposed more than is needed for functions such as treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.

For example, if a healthcare provider needs to share patient information with another provider for treatment, they would only disclose the specific data essential for that treatment rather than all accessible information. This approach helps safeguard patient privacy while still allowing necessary communication within the healthcare system.