Under HIPAA, which of the following is permissible when disclosing PHI?

Disclosing protected health information (PHI) to a family member with the patient's consent is permissible under HIPAA because it empowers patients to have control over their personal health information. When a patient gives explicit consent, it allows for communication and sharing of pertinent health details, fostering an environment of support and understanding from family members who may be involved in the patient's care. This scenario underscores the principle of patient autonomy and the importance of informed consent in health care.

In contrast, disclosing PHI for advertising purposes would violate HIPAA regulations, as such disclosures require explicit authorization from the patient. Similarly, using PHI for research generally mandates patient consent unless certain conditions are met and in compliance with specific regulatory provisions. Lastly, while internal audits are essential for quality assurance and operational efficiency, they still require adherence to HIPAA guidelines to ensure that disclosures are managed appropriately and respect the privacy of patients, avoiding any unrestricted access.