ACCESS TO PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI)

Federal and state laws require that individuals (or their personal representative) be provided certain rights regarding their protected health information (PHI) generated and maintained by the California Department of Public Health or the Department's business associate.  PHI is information that can identify or can be used to identify an individual, and relates to the past, present or future health condition of an individual.  The Department's Privacy Office is responsible for facilitating the Department's compliance with federal and state privacy laws to ensure the safeguarding of PHI. 

Any PHI requests shall be made in writing using the appropriate forms provided below.  With limited exceptions, an individual (or a personal representative) has the right to request the following:

• ACCESS TO INSPECT AND OBTAIN COPIES OF PHI
  You have the right to inspect your protected health information in records, which the Department creates or maintains. You also have the right to request copies of those records. You may be charged for the costs of copying and mailing of these records.
  Access to Inspect/Obtain Copies of PHI - Individual
  Access to Inspect/Obtain Copies of PHI - Personal Representative
  
  
• ACCOUNT OF DISCLOSURES OF PHI
  You have the right to request the Department to account for the disclosures of your PHI, which the Department creates or maintains. 
  Account of Disclosures of PHI - Individual
  Account of Disclosures of PHI - Personal Representative
  
  
• AMEND PHI
  You have the right to request amendments to your protected health information which the Department creates or maintains.
  Amend PHI - Individual
  Amend PHI - Personal Representative
  
  
• RESTRICT USE AND DISCLOSURE OF PHI
  You have the right to request the Department to restrict the use and disclosure of your PHI to carry out treatment, payment or operations. 
  Restrict Use and Disclosure of PHI - Individual
  Restrict Use and Disclosure of PHI - Personal Representative
  
  
• CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION REQUEST
  You also have the right to request the Department not to disclose PHI to a family member, relative, or friend involved with your care or payment for your health care. 
  Confidential Communication Request