Which of the following does NOT require authorization for the disclosure of PHI?

The correct answer indicates that the disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) to family members does not require explicit authorization in certain scenarios. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), healthcare providers are allowed to share PHI with family members, friends, or others that the patient identifies as involved in their care or payment for care, as long as the patient is present and does not object.

In cases where a patient is not present or incapacitated, healthcare providers may still disclose PHI to family members if they believe it is in the best interest of the patient and the information is relevant to the person’s involvement in the patient's care. Therefore, sharing information with family members, when done in accordance with these guidelines, does not necessitate prior written authorization from the patient.

For disclosure to the patient themselves, authorization is not needed as individuals have a right to their own health information. However, the same cannot generally be said for disclosures for research purposes or investigations by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which typically do require strict protocols or consent under HIPAA regulations. Thus, understanding the nuances of these rules is critical for proper compliance in healthcare settings.