What is the distinction between consent and authorization under HIPAA?

The distinction between consent and authorization under HIPAA is significant in understanding how Protected Health Information (PHI) is managed. Authorization specifically refers to the permissions required for the use or disclosure of PHI in situations that are not typically covered by HIPAA’s provisions for permissible disclosures. This includes cases such as providing information for research purposes or marketing, where explicit approval from the individual is necessary to proceed.

On the other hand, consent generally pertains to allowing healthcare providers to use PHI for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, which is often assumed and may not always require explicit consent from the individual. Instead, consent works within the commonplace flow of healthcare operations, while authorization is more stringent and requires a clear, documented agreement from the individual when their PHI is outside those common uses.

The correct choice reflects this hierarchical and situational framework of permissions under HIPAA, highlighting that authorization is essential for certain sensitive uses of PHI that are not covered under the implied consent of typical healthcare practices.