Right to Request Communications of PHI By Alternative Means or at Alternative Locations

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A covered entity provider must permit individuals to request and must accommodate reasonable requests by individuals to receive confidential communications of protected health information from the covered healthcare provider by alternative means or at alternative locations. A covered entity health plan must permit individuals to request and must accommodate reasonable requests by individuals to receive communications of protected health information from the health plan by alternative means or at alternative locations, if the individual clearly states that the disclosure of all or part of that information could endanger the individual.

The covered entity may require an individual to make a request for confidential communication in writing. The covered entity may condition the provision of a reasonable accommodation on:

1. When appropriate, information as to how payment, if any, will be handled; and
2. Specification of an alternative address or other method of contact.

A covered entity provider may not require an explanation from the individual as to the basis for the request as a condition of providing communications on a confidential basis.

A health plan may require that a request contain a statement that disclosure of all or part of the information to which the request pertains could endanger the individual.