Can we continue to honor signed releases from other agencies (e.g., S.S.)?
(A) Probably. Through interagency HIPAA workgroups, including the HIPAA Legal Workgroup which DMH chairs, state agencies are coordinating the development of common HIPAA Privacy related policies, procedures and forms. In addition to the fact that HIPAA requirements are often very specific, and would by necessity be similar, we are trying to make it easier for state agency staff as well as persons that we serve, to have similar written policies and forms from agency to agency. While DMH would prefer the use of a DMH Authorization form, we likely will be able to accept any public agency’s Authorization. For example, disclosures to SS (and/or affiliated state agencies) for purposes of determining eligibility for disability benefits are currently made by an individual’s completed SS authorization form. That form, and most others from state and federal agencies that require health information, will be revised to be HIPAA compliant Also note that, as long as there is a need for information r
