(a) An exception to the privilege of confidentiality in a situation other than a court or administrative proceeding, allowing disclosure of confidential information by a physician, exists only with respect to the following: (1) a governmental agency, if the disclosure is required or authorized by law; (2) medical, mental health, or law enforcement personnel, if the physician determines that there is a probability of: (A) imminent physical injury to the patient, the physician, or another person; or
(a) Except as otherwise provided, the standards, requirements, and implementation specifications adopted under this subchapter apply to the following entities: (1) A health plan. (2) A health care clearinghouse. (3) A health care provider who transmits any health information in electronic form in connection with a transaction covered by this subchapter. (b) Where provided, the standards, requirements, and implementation specifications adopted under this subchapter apply to a business associate. (c)
(a) Definitions. In this rule: (1) A "patient" is a person who consults or is seen by a physician for medical care. (2) A "physician" is a person licensed, or who the patient reasonably believes is licensed, to practice medicine in any state or nation. (3) A communication is "confidential" if not intended to be disclosed to third persons other than those: (A) present to further the patient's interest in the consultation, examination, or interview; (B) reasonably necessary to transmit the communication;