Under HIPAA, when may a nurse disclose protected health information without patient authorization?

• A. For mandatory reporting, to prevent harm to others, for public health activities, or to carry out treatment, payment, and health care operations with minimum necessary safeguards.
• B. Whenever the patient is a minor.
• C. Only with explicit written consent from the patient.
• D. Under no circumstance can information be disclosed.

Answer: (A)