A privacy official should inform a clinic that it can provide PHI to a researcher if the researcher:

In the context of sharing Protected Health Information (PHI) for research purposes, the correct answer involves requiring the researcher to obtain a waiver of authorization. This is significant because, under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), researchers often need patient authorization to access PHI. However, when certain conditions are met, a waiver of authorization can be granted by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or a Privacy Board.

This waiver allows the researcher to use or disclose the PHI without the need to obtain individual consent from each patient. The criteria for granting a waiver typically include that the research could not practicably be conducted without the waiver, and that the rights and welfare of the patients will not be adversely affected. This process ensures that patient privacy is still respected while allowing necessary research to be conducted.

By focusing on the requirement for a waiver, clinics can ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations while facilitating valuable research efforts. Other options do not align with the compliance framework mandated by HIPAA and may not adequately protect patient privacy or ensure proper research practices.