Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which organization is responsible for defining protected health information (PHI) according to legislation?

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2. Department of Health and Human Services

3. Federal Trade Commission

4. National Institutes of Health

The correct answer is: Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the organization responsible for defining protected health information (PHI) under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HHS plays a crucial role in the implementation and enforcement of HIPAA regulations, ensuring that health information is kept private and secure. PHI is specifically defined as any health information that can be used to identify an individual, including details about their health condition, treatment, and payment for healthcare services. The role of HHS includes developing regulations that fully outline what constitutes PHI, which helps protect patient privacy and establishes guidelines for healthcare providers and organizations in handling personal health information. By overseeing these regulations, the HHS ensures compliance and provides clarity on the legal definitions of health information. The other organizations mentioned may have their own important functions related to public health, healthcare reform, or medical research, but they do not define PHI within the framework of HIPAA legislation. Understanding the specific authority of HHS in this context highlights the importance of compliance with federal regulations regarding the privacy and security of health information.