Myth Buster: Mental health information cannot be disclosed for research

MYTH:  Mental health information cannot be disclosed for research.

FACT:  Mental health information is treated the same as other protected health information in the context of research.

Although the HIPAA Privacy Rule generally does not apply to researchers or Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) unless they are covered entities, it does govern along with state law, the methods by which a covered entity is permitted to use and disclose Protected Health Information (PHI), including mental health information, for research purposes.  For the most part, a covered entity is allowed to use and disclose mental health information for research with valid patient consent; however in limited situations, PHI may be used for research without patient authorization.  To learn more about when mental health information can be used for research purposes, please read our Myth Buster below.