Which must be provided if the therapist is a HIPAA covered entity?

The requirement for a Notice of Privacy Practices stems from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which mandates that covered entities, including therapists, inform their clients about how their protected health information (PHI) is used and disclosed. This notice ensures that clients are aware of their rights regarding their healthcare information, including the right to access their information and the agency therapists have in using it.

The Notice of Privacy Practices must be provided to patients at the time of their first service and is a key component of maintaining transparency and trust in the therapeutic relationship. It helps clients understand how their information will be protected and how it can be shared, which is essential for compliance with HIPAA regulations.

The other options do not align with HIPAA requirements for covered entities. For instance, providing a list of current patients or information about past therapists is not necessary, as it does not pertain to the privacy and protection of individual patient information. Similarly, breaking down fees is important for financial transparency but is not a requirement under HIPAA in relation to patient privacy practices.