Are providers required to make a minimum necessary determination to disclose to Federal or state agencies, such as the Social Security Administration (SSA) or its affiliated agencies, for individuals' applications for federal or state benefits?

Answer:

No. These disclosures must be authorized by an individual and, therefore, are exempt from the HIPAA Privacy Rule’s minimum necessary requirements. Furthermore, use of the provider’s own authorization form is not required. Providers can accept an agency’s authorization form as long as it meets the requirements of 45 CFR 164.508 of the Privacy Rule.

Date Created: 12/19/2002