I.  PURPOSE
 

The purpose of this policy is to outline appropriate use or disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) that are incidental to uses and disclosures otherwise made in accordance with the Privacy Standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, 45 CFR Parts 160 thru 164 (HIPAA).
 

II.  DEFINITIONS
 

Incidental Use or Disclosure means a use or disclosure of PHI that is incidental to a use or disclosure otherwise appropriate under, or permitted by, HIPAA. (see Section 4.1.2 of this policy for examples)

Administration Functions means administration functions performed by DMH.

Workforce Member means full and part time paid staff, volunteers and interns who perform duties on behalf of the DMH.
 

III.  POLICY
 

DMH will take steps to ensure that all Incidental use or disclosure is in accordance with HIPAA.
 

IV.  PROCEDURES
 

Procedure - Incidental Use of Disclosure
 

V.  AUTHORITY