Maryland Psychology Jurisprudence Practice Test

The correct answer identifies that the name of the healthcare provider is not a required part of valid authorization for disclosure. In the context of privacy laws and regulations governing the disclosure of patient information, particularly under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and related Maryland laws, valid authorization must include specific components to protect patient confidentiality.

A valid authorization must have the patient's signature, indicating their consent to disclose their information, along with the date on which the authorization takes effect. Additionally, the identity of the patient must be clearly stated to ensure that the correct person's information is being shared. These elements ensure that patient rights are respected and that disclosures are made lawfully.

While knowing the name of the healthcare provider can be beneficial for clarity and specific legal contexts, it is not mandated for the authorization to be considered valid. This distinction is important for practitioners and organizations handling patient information, ensuring they understand the minimum requirements for authorization clearly without the assumption that all supplementary information, such as the provider’s name, is necessary for compliance.