Under what circumstance can therapists share protected health information (PHI) without client authorization?

Sharing protected health information (PHI) without client authorization can occur under certain circumstances prescribed by privacy laws, namely HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). The correct choice highlights that if therapists belong to the same covered entity, they may share PHI, provided that it is for the purpose of treatment, payment, or health care operations. Covered entities, which include health care providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, are allowed to share information as part of their routine operations and coordinated care efforts, focusing on the well-being of the client as part of the healthcare continuum.

This sharing must still adhere to regulations and must align with the purpose of care being provided. It emphasizes that within a covered entity, there are provisions for information exchange that ensure effective communication and collaborative care, all while maintaining essential client protections under HIPAA.

The other choices reflect circumstances that do not align with HIPAA's regulations governing client confidentiality and the sharing of PHI without explicit consent. For instance, working outside a licensed state does not grant therapists any rights to share PHI bound by the ethical and legal obligations they have towards their clients. Similarly, the belief that sharing information would benefit the client does not override the necessity of obtaining client consent unless the situation involves