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MISSISSIPPI DIVISION OF MEDICAID Eligibility Policy and Procedures Manual CHAPTER 100 – General Provisions P a g e | 8 Effective Month: March 2019 HIPAA Privacy Procedures outline the requirements for the release of information, with or without the consent of the beneficiary, and the type and amount of information that is allowed to be released to or for: • A Medicaid applicant or recipient, referred to as a beneficiary, • A personal or legal representative of a beneficiary, • A parent or guardian of a minor beneficiary, • Law enforcement agencies or officials, • Public authorities, • A judicial or administrative hearing, • Federal/state agencies, • Audits or compliance reviews, • Legislators or elected officials, • Providers and their contractors. 100.03.04 CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION All individuals have the right to a confidential relationship with the Division of Medicaid. All information maintained on recipients, former recipients and denied applicants is confidential and must be safeguarded. The Division of Medicaid (DOM) will adhere to state laws and federal regulations on the protection of the confidentiality of information about applicants/recipients. Protected information may only be disclosed without the individual’s authorization for purposes directly connected with the administration of the program. This includes: • Establishing eligibility, • Determining amount of medical assistance, • Providing services for recipients, and • Conducting or assisting an investigation, prosecution and civil or criminal proceeding related to the program. The Division of Medicaid will also adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) as it relates to confidentiality of information about applicants/recipients. It is DOM’s policy that a valid authorization be obtained for all disclosures that are not for treatment, payment or healthcare operations, to the