When required, what must be included in the information provided to the data subject in a HIPAA disclosure accounting?

In the context of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations, when providing an accounting of disclosures to a data subject, certain specific information is required depending on the nature and number of records involved in the disclosure. When the disclosures involve fewer than 50 subject records, it is necessary to provide details about those particular disclosures. This is important to ensure transparency and to uphold the rights of individuals regarding their health information.

The requirement to disclose detailed information for fewer than 50 subject records allows patients to understand how their information was used or shared, which is a key aspect of maintaining trust and compliance with the HIPAA privacy rules. It helps ensure that patients are aware of the circumstances under which their sensitive health information might have been accessed or shared, thereby enhancing accountability in research and healthcare practices.

Providing only general information about the research, summaries of data collected, or aggregate data without specifics would not meet the legal requirements set forth by HIPAA for accounting of disclosures, which emphasizes the importance of individual rights and the need for transparency regarding personal health information.