When must a health coach disclose a client’s protected health information?

A health coach must disclose a client’s protected health information when the client requests it because this aligns with the principles of client autonomy and the right to access their own health information. Clients have the right to know what information is being held about them, and they can request copies of their records or ask for specific information to be shared. This ensures that clients remain informed and empowered in their health journey.

The other situations, such as a researcher requesting the information or a healthcare provider asking for it, typically require more stringent protocols and prior consent from the client due to regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Similarly, requests from public health officials often come with specific legal requirements and do not automatically grant them access to protected health information without proper authorization or justification. Thus, client-requested access stands out as a clear instance where disclosure is appropriate and expected.