What is the difference between "authorization" and "consent" in HIPAA terms?

In the context of HIPAA, the distinction between "authorization" and "consent" is fundamental to understanding patient rights regarding their health information. Authorization refers to a specific, explicit permission granted by an individual for a covered entity to use or disclose their protected health information (PHI) for purposes beyond treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. This means that the individual must be fully informed about what information will be shared and for what specific purpose, and they must give their explicit approval.

Conversely, consent is generally considered a broader permission and is not always required under HIPAA for the standard operations directly related to treatment, payment, or healthcare activities. While consent can provide some level of informal agreement to use or disclose PHI, it does not carry the same weight or specificity as authorization, which is a more formalized process requiring clear documentation.

Therefore, the correct understanding is that authorization necessitates explicit consent, underscoring its stricter requirements compared to general consent, which does not have the same explicit conditions outlined by HIPAA. This differentiation is crucial for ensuring the privacy and protection of individuals' health information as mandated by the law.