ARMY DIR 2020-13 — Disclosure Of Protected Health Information To Unit Command Officials
ARMY DIR 2020-13 governs disclosure of Soldiers’ protected health information to unit command officials.
- Publication number: ARMY DIR 2020-13
- Title: DISCLOSURE OF PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION TO UNIT COMMAND OFFICIALS
- Date: 10/26/2020
- Proponent: TSG
- Status: ACTIVE
View ARMY DIR 2020-13 on armypubs.army.mil
Related publications
It identifies authorized command recipients and limits disclosures to the minimum necessary for authorized purposes. It also addresses regulatory disclosures and behavioral health notification criteria.
Applies to: The provisions of this directive apply to the Regular Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and U.S. Army Reserve.
Topics covered
- Protected health information disclosures
- Unit command officials
- Minimum necessary rule
- Medical readiness information
- Behavioral health notifications
- Command authority safeguards
Questions and answers
When may medical treatment facilities disclose a Soldier’s PHI without authorization?
Military and civilian medical treatment facilities may use and disclose PHI without a Soldiers authorization for activities deemed necessary by the Soldiers commander, or a unit command official designated by the commander, to ensure the proper execution of the military mission. (paragraph 3)
Which commanders may receive a Soldier’s PHI?
Any commander who exercises authority over a Soldier may receive PHI that is necessary to ensure proper execution of the mission. (paragraph 3)
Can command authorities directly access a Soldier’s medical records?
Command authorities are not authorized unfettered access to a Soldiers PHI, nor are they given direct access to a Soldiers medical records. (paragraph 3)
What must unit commanders do when designating personnel to receive PHI?
Designate individuals by name (such as executive officers, command sergeants major, first sergeants, platoon leaders, and platoon sergeants), in writing, who are authorized to receive PHI from the medical treatment facility for Soldiers under their authority. (paragraph 5)
What safeguards must unit commanders establish for PHI?
Establish appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect PHI in the possession of unit command officials pursuant to Army Directive 2016-07. (paragraph 2)