Department of Health and Human Services

Questions & Answers

 Answers 
 
Suggest a Question
 
 My Notifications 
   
  Help  
Search
Browse
Category     View Category Hierarchy

    
Search Text (optional) Search Tips 
   
   Powered by RightNow Web
  Answer ID  
474
  Category  
Privacy of Health Information/HIPAA
  Authorizations
  Date Updated  
09/30/2003 11:42 AM

 Printer Friendly Version of This Answer  Print Answer

 E-mail This Answer  E-mail Answer
  
  Can an individual revoke his or her Authorization?
  Question
  Can an individual revoke his or her Authorization?
  Answer
  Yes. The Privacy Rule gives individuals the right to revoke, at any time, an Authorization they have given. The revocation must be in writing, and is not effective until the covered entity receives it. In addition, a written revocation is not effective with respect to actions a covered entity took in reliance on a valid Authorization, or where the Authorization was obtained as a condition of obtaining insurance coverage and other law provides the insurer with the right to contest a claim under the policy or the policy itself.

The Privacy Rule requires that the Authorization must clearly state the individual’s right to revoke; and the process for revocation must either be set forth clearly on the Authorization itself, or if the covered entity creates the Authorization, and its Notice of Privacy Practices contains a clear description of the revocation process, the Authorization can refer to the Notice of Privacy Practices. Authorization forms created by or submitted through a third party should not imply that revocation is effective when the third party receives it, since the revocation is not effective until a covered entity which had previously been authorized to make the disclosure receives it.
 
  How well did this answer your question?
 
Very Helpful Somewhat Helpful Not Helpful   
 
  Related Answers
 
Back to Search Results
  Back to Search Results  

HHS Home | Questions? | Contact Us | Site Map | Accessibility | Privacy Policy | Freedom of Information Act | Disclaimers

The White House | FirstGov