Can the Business Associate of Degree Wellness disclose PHI to other business associates of the Covered Entity?

According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Business Associate may disclose Protected Health Information (PHI) to other business associates of the Covered Entity as part of providing services. Specifically, the Business Associate can disclose information, including PHI, to other business associates of the Covered Entity. Additionally, the Business Associate can use and disclose information, including PHI, received from other business associates as if it were received directly from the Covered Entity.

This means that as a Degree Wellness franchisee, you, as the Business Associate, are permitted to share PHI with other entities that also have a business associate agreement with the Covered Entity (Wellness Provider Therapies, P.A.). This facilitates coordinated healthcare operations and administrative functions among different service providers involved in a patient's care.

However, it's crucial to understand that this ability to disclose PHI comes with responsibilities. The Business Associate must still adhere to HIPAA regulations, ensuring that the disclosure is limited to the minimum necessary to accomplish the intended purpose. Furthermore, the Business Associate must implement safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the PHI, as outlined in the Business Associate Agreement.