Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Under HIPAA, what must be done if a privacy breach occurs?

1. Only inform the affected patients

2. No action is needed if no harm is done

3. Report the breach to the Department of Health and Human Services

4. Notify the FBI

The correct answer is: Report the breach to the Department of Health and Human Services

When a privacy breach occurs under HIPAA, the correct course of action is to report the breach to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This is essential for ensuring compliance with the regulations established under HIPAA, which mandate that covered entities and business associates act promptly and transparently in the event of a data breach. Notifying HHS allows for proper oversight and helps maintain the integrity of health information privacy standards. It also helps facilitate further investigations that may be necessary to understand the scope of the breach and assess the risks involved. The law requires that this reporting occurs within a specific timeframe following the breach, ensuring timely action and response to potential risks to affected individuals. Other options do not encompass the full legal and ethical responsibilities placed on organizations covered by HIPAA. For instance, simply informing affected patients does not meet the comprehensive requirement for accountability and reporting to HHS. Ignoring a breach if there appears to be no harm diminishes the seriousness of the incident and goes against the principles of protecting patient information. Notifying the FBI may be appropriate in cases involving criminal activity, but it is not a standard requirement for reporting a privacy breach under HIPAA itself.