Which of the following statements is correct about psychotherapy notes?

Which of the following statements is correct about psychotherapy notes?

• A. They can be shared with family members
• B. They require a signed authorization to be disclosed
• C. They can be shared with other healthcare providers without consent
• D. They are not protected by privacy laws

Answer: (B)

The statement that psychotherapy notes require a signed authorization to be disclosed is correct because psychotherapy notes are given a higher level of confidentiality under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These notes contain sensitive information that reflects the thoughts, feelings, and progress of the patient and are meant primarily for the use of the therapist. The law specifies that disclosure of these notes involves a stringent process compared to standard medical records, emphasizing the need for patient privacy and control over their own mental health information. Sharing psychotherapy notes without patient authorization would not align with the legal protections designed to safeguard an individual’s private mental health information. This stringent requirement ensures that patients can trust that their personal and sensitive information is handled with the utmost care and respect.

The statement that psychotherapy notes require a signed authorization to be disclosed is correct because psychotherapy notes are given a higher level of confidentiality under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These notes contain sensitive information that reflects the thoughts, feelings, and progress of the patient and are meant primarily for the use of the therapist. The law specifies that disclosure of these notes involves a stringent process compared to standard medical records, emphasizing the need for patient privacy and control over their own mental health information.

Sharing psychotherapy notes without patient authorization would not align with the legal protections designed to safeguard an individual’s private mental health information. This stringent requirement ensures that patients can trust that their personal and sensitive information is handled with the utmost care and respect.