D.C. Code § 7-1202.07: Limited disclosure to 3rd-party payors.

(a)

A mental health professional or mental health facility may disclose to a 3rd-party payor mental health information necessary to determine the client’s entitlement to, or the amount of, payment benefits for professional services rendered; provided, that the disclosure is pursuant to a valid authorization, or for participating providers, a joint consent, and that the information to be disclosed is limited to:

(1)

Administrative information;

(2)

Diagnostic information;

(3)

The status of the client (voluntary or involuntary);

(4)

The reason for admission or continuing treatment; and

(5)

A prognosis limited to the estimated time during which treatment might continue.

(b)

In the event the 3rd-party payor questions the client’s entitlement to or the amount of payment benefits following disclosure under subsection (a) of this section, the 3rd-party payor may, pursuant to a valid authorization, or for participating providers, a joint consent, request an independent review of the client’s record of mental health information by a mental health professional or professionals. Mental health information disclosed for the purpose of review shall not be disclosed to the 3rd-party payor.