Certified Medical Administrative Assistants (CMAA) Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-In-One Guide to Exam Success!

The assertion that a signed consent to release medical information for treatment and payment is no longer mandated by HIPAA is accurate. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), healthcare providers are permitted to use and disclose protected health information (PHI) for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations without needing to obtain a patient's explicit consent each time.

This means that while providers must still safeguard patients' information and adhere to privacy rules, routine disclosures for the purposes of treatment and billing can occur without a signed consent. This streamlines operations within the healthcare system, allowing for more efficient communication and coordination among providers and insurers.

Although some specific circumstances could require additional consent or authorization—such as for the release of psychotherapy notes or information to obtain insurance benefits—basic treatment and payment activities do not require a signed consent under HIPAA. This understanding is crucial for medical administrative assistants who need to navigate compliance with these regulations effectively.