When can protected health information (PHI) be disclosed without authorization?

The correct choice highlights a critical aspect of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations regarding the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI). Under HIPAA, PHI can be disclosed without patient authorization for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. When a billing clerk provides information necessary for payment, this act falls under the category of operations that are considered essential for managing healthcare services. This ensures that healthcare providers can effectively manage billing and insurance claims without needing explicit permission from the patient each time.

In contrast, the other scenarios involve disclosures that do not meet these criteria. For instance, a spouse requesting PHI usually requires the explicit consent of the patient unless there are specific exceptions. Similarly, informing a family member about a patient’s condition typically requires the patient’s consent unless the patient is incapacitated or the disclosure is in the patient's best interest. Lastly, when data is needed for research projects, it usually involves more stringent requirements and often mandates patient authorization or the de-identification of the data to comply with privacy laws.

Overall, the essence of the correct choice lies in its alignment with the essential functions of healthcare – specifically payment – and the established legal framework permitting such disclosures without requiring authorization.