Which type of documentation requires authorization for use or disclosure under HIPAA?

Psychotherapy notes require authorization for use or disclosure under HIPAA because they contain sensitive information about a patient's mental health treatment that goes beyond the basic medical records. These notes typically reflect the therapist's personal reflections, analysis, and insights regarding the patient's thoughts and feelings, which could have significant implications for the patient's privacy and wellbeing if disclosed without consent.

The HIPAA Privacy Rule recognizes the heightened sensitivity of mental health information and therefore mandates stricter protection measures for psychotherapy notes compared to other types of patient information. This ensures that patients feel safe and secure in sharing their personal experiences in therapy without fear of unauthorized disclosure.

In contrast, other types of documentation, such as case notes, billing records, and medical history, may have different privacy protections but do not require the same level of authorization for sharing or using under the HIPAA regulations. Typically, these documents are considered part of the standard medical record that healthcare providers may share for treatment or billing purposes without needing explicit patient consent each time.