What must covered entities ensure when sharing patient information under HIPAA?

When sharing patient information under HIPAA, covered entities are required to obtain explicit consent from the patient. This is essential because HIPAA, which stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, was established to protect the privacy and security of individuals' health information. Consent ensures that patients are aware of who has access to their information and how it may be used, thus reinforcing their right to control their personal health data.

Obtaining prior consent promotes transparency and trust between healthcare providers and patients, creating an environment where patients feel more secure about sharing sensitive information. Additionally, consent forms often outline the purpose of sharing the information, further supporting patient autonomy and rights in the healthcare system.

Other options may touch on aspects of HIPAA compliance but do not address the fundamental requirement of patient consent, which is central to the law's focus on patient privacy rights.