Who may health information be shared with, according to privacy regulations?

Health information may be shared with those who need the information for care or processing of records because this is aligned with privacy regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Under these regulations, healthcare providers are permitted to disclose a patient's health information to other healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care, as well as to administrative staff who need access to the information to facilitate accurate record keeping and billing processes.

This controlled sharing is essential to ensure that patients receive integrated and effective care while still safeguarding their privacy. It is important to understand that such sharing must adhere to the principle of minimum necessary information, whereby only the information essential for a particular purpose is disclosed. This helps maintain the confidentiality and security of the patient's health information.