Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the HITECH and Omnibus updates?

1. It guarantees portability of health insurance coverage

2. It requires breach notifications under specific circumstances

3. It relaxes rules on PHI access by business associates

4. It limits patient rights to amend their health records

The correct answer is: It requires breach notifications under specific circumstances

The statement that requires breach notifications under specific circumstances is accurate concerning the HITECH and Omnibus updates. These updates enhanced the privacy and security protections established by HIPAA and imposed stricter requirements for notifying individuals impacted by a data breach. Specifically, covered entities and business associates are mandated to provide notification when a breach involving unsecured protected health information (PHI) occurs. This regulation aims to ensure that individuals are informed promptly, allowing them to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from potential harm resulting from the breach. In contrast, the other statements do not align with the updates' objectives or stipulations. While the act focuses on portability, it does not guarantee coverage portability itself. The updates do not relax rules on PHI access by business associates; instead, they tighten security measures. Lastly, patient rights to amend their health records remain protected, without imposing limitations under the recent updates. This framework underscores the ongoing commitment to safeguarding personal health information in the evolving digital landscape.