The purpose of this policy is to outline, in accordance with applicable law, the procedures of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) for verifying the identity and authority of individuals requesting Protected Health Information (PHI).
 

Authorization means the signed Authorization form used by DMH for uses and disclosures of PHI for purposes beyond the scope of treatment, payment and health care operations, or as otherwise required or permitted by HIPAA.

Disclosure means, with respect to PHI, the release of, transfer of, provision of access to, or divulging in any manner, of PHI outside of DMH internal operations or to other than its workforce members.

Protected Health Information (PHI) means information that (i) is created or received by a health care provider, health plan, employer or health care clearinghouse; (ii) related to the past, present or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual; the provision of health care to an individual, or the past, present or future payment for the provision of health care to an individual; and (iii) identifies the individual (or for which there is a reasonable basis for believing that the information can be used to identify the individual).

Use means, with respect to PHI, the sharing, employment, application, utilization, examination or analysis of such information within DMH internal operations.
 

III.  POLICY
 

DMH will take steps to properly verify the identity and authority of individuals requesting PHI in compliance with the Privacy Standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, 45 CFR, Sections 160 and 164 (HIPAA).
 

IV.  PROCEDURES
 

Procedure - Verification of Individuals Requesting Protected Health Information 
 

V.  AUTHORITY