The Attorney General of Texas has adopted a standard Authorization to Disclose Protected Health Information in accordance with Texas Health & Safety Code § 181.154(d). This form is intended for use in complying with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and Privacy Standards (HIPAA) and the Texas Medical Privacy Act (Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 181 ). Covered Entities may use this form or any other form that complies with HIPAA, the Texas Medical Privacy Act, and other applicable laws.
Covered entities, as that term is defined by HIPAA and Texas Health & Safety Code § 181.001, must obtain a signed authorization from the individual or the individual's legally authorized representative to electronically disclose that individual's protected health information. Authorization is not required for disclosures related to treatment, payment, health care operations, performing certain insurance functions, or as may be otherwise authorized by law. (Tex. Health & Safety Code §§ 181.154(b),(c), § 241.153; 45 C.F.R. §§ 164.502(a)(1 ); 164.506, and 164.508).
The authorization provided by use of the form means that the organization, entity or person authorized can disclose, communicate, or send the named individual's protected health information to the organization, entity or person identified on the form, including through the use of any electronic means.