Balancing the confidentiality of individual health information with the need to protect public health, the HIPAA Privacy Rule expressly permits certain disclosures of protected health information (PHI) to public health authorities without an individual’s knowledge or authorization.

Balancing the confidentiality of individual health information with the need to protect public health, the HIPAA Privacy Rule expressly permits certain disclosures of protected health information (PHI) to public health authorities without an individual’s knowledge or authorization. For example, a healthcare provider may disclose to public health officials PHI about a person who is diagnosed with a communicable disease. How would you feel about a doctor disclosing this type of information about you or a loved one? Discuss arguments on both sides of the issue referencing at least one outside source to support your position. ;