American Health Information Management Association. Position Statement. Issue: disclosure of health information.

Health information is used for a variety of legitimate purposes, including patient care, quality review, education, research, public health, and legal and financial interests. Regardless of the use or users, patients must be assured that the information they share with healthcare professionals will remain confidential. To protect patients' privacy rights, each healthcare facility must develop policies and procedures for disclosure of health information in accordance with federal and state laws. Careful consideration must be given to any disclosure of health information. Confidential information should be disclosed only as needed for continuing care or upon written authorization by the patient or his legal representative or where such disclosure is authorized by federal or state law, subpoena, or court order.