January 21, 2008

Disclosing PHI to Avert Serious Threat to Health
and Safety

HIPAA Policies and Procedures

Covered entities are permitted, consistent with applicable law and standards of ethical conduct, to disclose protected health information based on a good faith belief that the disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of a person or the public. This policy provides guidance to ensure full compliance with all laws when using or disclosing protected health information to prevent or lessen a threat to the health or safety of a person or the public.