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Permission For Verbal Communications

Download the Permission for Verbal Communications Form (PDF)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) requires health care providers to maintain the confidentiality of a patient's protected health information (PHI).

If a patient is present and is able to make his or her own decisions, the patient can decide who should be included in communication or discussions regarding their health status and medical care. This may include family members or friends.

If the patient is not present at the time, (for example when a son or daughter calls the doctor to ask for information about the care of their parent) the health care provider may use their professional judgment and provide information if it is in the patient's best interest. The health care provider should disclose only the PHI that is directly relevant to that person's involvement with the patient's care.

To protect a patient's privacy and to ensure that our clinic staff and physicians know whom they have permission to communicate with regarding a patient's PHI, it is helpful for patients to have a Permission for Verbal Communications form (PDF) on file at their clinic.

The patient can use the form to identify family members or friends involved in their medical care, who have permission to discuss health information in person or by telephone with their health care providers.

Need more information? Get answers to frequently asked questions about permission for verbal communications.

 

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