Ohio Medicaid Issues Standard Authorization Forms for the Disclosure of Health Information
The Ohio Department of Medicaid (“ODM”) has adopted two standard authorization forms for the use and disclosure of health information, in an effort to improve care coordination by making it easier to share health information in a legally compliant manner.
Beginning February 2, 2019, all Ohio Medicaid providers are required to accept the forms when properly completed and executed. ODM has issued instructions to assist providers.
One of the new standard forms is designed to be used by Part 2 programs, while the other is designed to be used by Ohio providers that do not fall into the Part 2 category. In general, a Part 2 program is a practitioner or organization that holds itself out as providing substance use disorder diagnosis, treatment or referral.
As required by Ohio regulation, the forms comply with HIPAA and Part 2 requirements. Accordingly, the forms serve as a useful resource to all Ohio providers, whether they participate in Ohio Medicaid or not.
As long as they accept the new standard forms when properly completed and executed, Ohio Medicaid providers may continue to also use and accept their existing HIPAA and Part 2 authorization forms that otherwise comply with federal law.
Lastly, please note that Ohio providers are not required to obtain authorization or use the new standard authorization forms when authorization is not required under HIPAA or Part 2. The new ODM standard forms do not expand a health care provider’s obligation to obtain authorization for the use or disclosure of health information under federal law.
The KJK Healthcare Group assists its clients to comply with data privacy and security requirements on a daily basis. For additional information regarding the new standard authorization forms developed by ODM or other health care compliance matters, please contact us.
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