Which of the following is required for a valid consent under The HiTech Act?

For a valid consent under The HiTech Act, written documentation signed by the patient is essential. This requirement emphasizes the need for clear, understandable communication between healthcare providers and patients regarding their data privacy and security rights. The HiTech Act, which enhances provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), mandates that patients provide informed consent regarding how their protected health information (PHI) is used and disclosed.

Written consent serves not only as evidence that a patient understands their rights but also ensures that healthcare entities are compliant with regulations aimed at protecting patient privacy. This formal documentation offers a definitive record that can be referred to, should disputes arise in the future regarding the patient's consent status.

The other options, while they might represent various forms of consent in different contexts, do not meet the stringent requirements outlined by The HiTech Act for protecting patients' electronic health information. Oral consent lacks the necessary documentation to establish patient decision-making, electronic acknowledgment via email may not ensure a robust process for consent verification, and approval from family members does not substitute for the patient’s direct consent.