When is a covered entity required to disclose PHI?

A covered entity is required to disclose protected health information (PHI) upon an individual's request for access or an accounting of disclosures due to the stipulations outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This regulation grants individuals the right to obtain their health information, promoting transparency and allowing them to understand their own medical records, as well as how their PHI has been shared with others.

Individuals can request access to their own health records or seek an accounting of disclosures, which provides them with a list of instances in which their PHI has been shared. This requirement ensures that patients have control over their health information and can make informed decisions about their care and privacy.

In contrast, disclosing PHI only during emergency situations, upon third-party requests, or solely for research purposes does not fulfill the broader obligations set by HIPAA regarding individual access rights and disclosures. These situations do apply under specific circumstances but do not encompass the comprehensive requirement for individuals to access their own PHI as outlined by the law.