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                              FAQ
                              541-May a covered provider disclose electronic PHI through an HIO to another provider


    

    

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May a covered health care provider disclose electronic protected health information (PHI) through a health information organization (HIO) to another health care provider for treatment?








  
  
    

  
      





Yes. The Privacy Rule permits a covered entity to disclose PHI to another health care provider for treatment purposes. See 45 C.F.R. § 164.506. Further, a covered entity may use a HIO to facilitate the exchange of such information for treatment purposes, provided it has a business associate agreement with the HIO that requires the HIO to protect the information. See 45 C.F.R. §§ 164.502(e), 164.504(e).

Created 12/15/08

                    
  


Content created by Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Content last reviewed July 26, 2013Back to top
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