Tenor Chat empowers therapists to receive evidence-based, expert-vetted answers to clinical questions. This article explains the legal framework around sharing Protected Health Information (PHI) within this system.
Using PHI in the AI Clinical Chat
As a healthcare provider, you do not need to obtain explicit client permission to input PHI into Tenor's AI Clinical Chat. This usage falls under the standard HIPAA framework that governs your existing electronic health record systems and other digital healthcare tools.
Here's why:
Tenor serves as your Business Associate under HIPAA when you use our platform
Tenor Chat is considered a tool for treatment purposes, similar to an EHR
Disclosures of PHI to our system are permitted under the HIPAA Privacy Rule for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations
How Your Data is Protected
When you input client information into Tenor Chat:
All data is encrypted and securely stored according to HIPAA requirements
Chat histories are saved but maintained with the same privacy protections as other PHI in our system
Tenor has established Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with all downstream AI vendors
Our AI technology partners are contractually prohibited from using your inputs to train their AI models
Best Practices for Using the AI Clinical Chat
While explicit permission isn't required, we recommend these best practices:
Include information about the software you use in your Notice of Privacy Practices
Only input the minimum necessary PHI required to address your clinical question
Verify that all information received from the AI is clinically appropriate before applying it to patient care
Remember that the AI is a decision support tool, not a replacement for clinical judgment
Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions about PHI disclosure in Tenor Chat or other privacy matters, please contact us at support@tenortherapy.com.