Which items must be included for an authorization to be valid under HIPAA privacy rules?

• A. A description of each purpose of the requested use or disclosure.
• B. A description of the information to be used or disclosed.
• C. An expiration date or an expiration event that relates to the individual or the purpose of the use or disclosure.
• D. All of the above.

Answer: (D)

A valid authorization under HIPAA must be clear about what is being shared, why it’s being shared, and for how long the authorization remains in effect. Specifically, the document needs to include a description of the information to be used or disclosed, a description of the purpose of the disclosure, and an expiration date or expiration event related to the individual or the purpose.

• Describing the information to be disclosed ensures everyone knows exactly which records or data are covered, preventing broad or unintended sharing.

• Describing the purpose limits the use of the information to stated reasons, giving the individual control over why their data is being disclosed.

• An expiration date or event sets a finite timeframe for the authorization, so the patient can require renewal or revoke it later if desired.

Together, these elements help protect privacy by making the scope, intent, and duration of the disclosure explicit. There are also other required parts typically present in a complete authorization (such as who is disclosing and who will receive the information, signature and date, and statements about revocation), but the combination of these three items being present is essential for the authorization to be valid.