Sample Qualified Protective Order (HIPAA)

QUALIFIED PROTECTIVE ORDER. This is a Northern District of Illinois template used in federal litigation to permit the limited use and disclosure of a plaintiff’s protected health information (PHI). Issued under Rule 26(c) and 45 C.F.R. §164.512(e)(1), the order authorizes parties and their attorneys to obtain, subpoena, and exchange PHI solely for purposes of prosecuting or defending the case. Covered entities may disclose PHI to counsel, and permitted recipients—including experts, consultants, court personnel, and litigation support services—must be informed that the information cannot be used outside the litigation. At the end of the case, PHI must be returned or destroyed within 45 days, except for materials filed with the court. The order does not authorize informal record collection or automatically seal filings. www.FormsWorkflow.com