What allows a mental health facility to use a client's PHI for treatment, payment, and routine operations?

The correct answer is that a signed consent form enables a mental health facility to use a client's Protected Health Information (PHI) for treatment, payment, and routine operations. Under HIPAA regulations, healthcare providers are required to obtain written consent from patients to use and disclose their PHI for specific purposes. This consent outlines the extent to which the provider may use the PHI and ensures that the patient's rights are protected.

By having a signed consent form, the facility is adhering to both federal regulations and ethical standards in handling sensitive information. The signed form serves as clear documentation that the client has been informed about how their information will be used and has agreed to that usage, thus helping to ensure compliance with privacy laws while allowing the facility to operate effectively.