Bulletin No. LH 2008-03: Oklahoma Standard Authorization Form

Oklahoma INSURANCE Department State of Oklahoma 3625 NW 56th, Suite 100 • Five Corporate Plaza • OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73112 • (405) 521-3681 • IN STATE 1-800-522-0071 • FAX (405) 522-3761 BULLETIN NO. LH 2008-03 TO: ALL LIFE & HEALTH INSURERS ALL LIFE & HEALTH PRODUCERS ALL THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATORS FROM: OKLAHOMA INSURANCE DEPARTMENT RE: Oklahoma Standard Authorization Form DATE: December 15, 2008 The Oklahoma State Board of Health has approved a new, uniform method for authorizing the release of protected medical and health information. On November 13, 2008, the Board approved the “Oklahoma Standard Authorization to Use or Share Protected Health Information” form. The document’s development was the result of two years of work between public and private entities operating under both presidential and gubernatorial executive orders. This collaborative effort was designed to identify and solve the legal barriers that inhibit the timely exchange of health information in order to improve the quality and delivery of medical care. The form was developed to meet the need for uniformity and eliminate confusion regarding the authorization of release of patient information as required by state and federal privacy and privilege laws. The Oklahoma Insurance Department encourages health insurers to adopt the usage of these forms. According to the Oklahoma State Board of Health, health care providers are not required to use the form, although they are required to honor it. The Oklahoma Standard Authorization Form and instructions for completing and using the form are available by using the following hyperlink: LH 2008-03 Page 2 www.ok.gov/health/Organization/HIPAA_Privacy_Rules/Oklahoma_Standard_Autho rization_Forms.html. Questions or comments applicable to this bulletin should be directed to kathie.stepp@oid.ok.gov of the Rate and Form Compliance Division, or susan.dobbins@oid.ok.gov of the Legal Division of the Oklahoma Insurance Department, P. O. Box 53408, Oklahoma City, OK 73152-3408. The Oklahoma Insurance Department encourages readers of this notice to periodically check the Department’s web site http://www.oid.ok.gov/ for news and updates to Bulletins and other relevant material.