Who are CE's allowed to disclose PHI to for the purpose of preventing disease?

The correct choice is that covered entities (CEs) are allowed to disclose protected health information (PHI) to public health authorities authorized by law for the purpose of preventing disease. This provision is grounded in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which recognizes the important role of public health agencies in monitoring and controlling communicable diseases, ensuring public safety, and managing public health emergencies.

Public health authorities often have the legal mandate and responsibility to collect data to track disease outbreaks, assess health risks, and implement interventions necessary for community health. For this reason, HIPAA allows CEs to disclose PHI without patient consent in instances where such information is relayed to these authorized entities, thereby facilitating vital public health efforts.

In regard to the other choices, they do not align with the provisions under HIPAA concerning allowable disclosures of PHI. For example, while employers may inquire about work-related illnesses for necessary workplace safety protocols, these disclosures must adhere to stricter guidelines and often require written consent from employees regarding their health information. Similarly, while insurance companies handle claims processing, any PHI shared must relate directly to the evaluation and payment of claims, which generally requires patient consent or specific regulatory allowances. Lastly, disclosing PHI to family members