HIPAA Privacy Rule - Public Interest and Benefit Activities

A The Privacy Rule permits use and disclosure of protected health information, without an individual's authorization or permission, for 12 national priority purposes. These disclosures are permitted, although not required, by the Rule in recognition of the important uses made of health information outside of the health care context. Specific conditions or limitations apply to each public interest purpose, striking the balance between the individual privacy interest and the public interest need for this information.

• Required by Law
• Public Health Activities
• Victims of Abuse, Neglect or Domestic Violence
• Health Oversight Activities
• Judicial and Administrative Proceedings
• Law Enforcement Purposes
• Decedents
• Cadaveric Organ, Eye, or Tissue Donation
• Research
• Serious Threat to Health or Safety
• Essential Government Functions
• Workers’ Compensation