Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

The Privacy Rule applies solely to which type of information?

1. All personal health information

2. Protected Health Information (PHI)

3. Social security information

4. Payment information

The correct answer is: Protected Health Information (PHI)

The Privacy Rule specifically applies to Protected Health Information (PHI), which is defined as any information held by a covered entity that relates to an individual's past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, the provision of health care to the individual, or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care. This protection is critical in the healthcare sector as it ensures that individuals’ health information is kept confidential and is only disclosed in accordance with the law. While personal health information may seem like a broad category that could encompass all health-related data, the Privacy Rule focuses specifically on PHI, which includes any identifiable health information maintained or transmitted by healthcare providers, health plans, or other entities involved in the handling of medical records. Other types of information, such as social security information and payment information, may be sensitive but do not fall under the specific protections offered by the Privacy Rule unless they are linked to an individual's health information. Therefore, identifying PHI is key to understanding the scope of the Privacy Rule under HIPAA.