Which means individually identifiable health information stored or transmitted by covered entities or business associates?
a. permission
b. PHI
c. covered entities
d. limited data set.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is b. PHI.
PHI stands for Protected Health Information. It refers to any individually identifiable health information that is stored, transmitted, or received by covered entities or business associates in any form (electronic, paper, or oral). PHI is a critical component under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which mandates the protection and confidential handling of health information.
Under HIPAA, covered entities include healthcare providers who transmit any health information in electronic form, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses. Business associates are individuals or organizations that perform certain functions on behalf of or provide services to covered entities involving the use or disclosure of PHI. Business associates must also comply with HIPAA regulations, and they are required to sign agreements with covered entities outlining their responsibilities regarding the handling of PHI.
PHI can include a wide range of information related to an individual’s health, such as their medical records, test results, and billing information. It can also include information about an individual’s health conditions, treatments, or services provided. Additionally, if the information can be used to identify the individual, such as names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, or health insurance numbers, it is considered PHI.
Limited Data Set (option d) refers to health information that excludes certain direct identifiers to reduce the risk of identification but still contains some identifiable health data. Permission (option a) refers to consent or authorization, and covered entities (option c) refer to the healthcare providers, plans, and clearinghouses that are subject to HIPAA regulations.
PHI is central to safeguarding individuals’ privacy in healthcare settings, and strict measures are taken to ensure that it is not improperly accessed, disclosed, or used. Violations of HIPAA regulations regarding PHI can result in significant penalties.