Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Who might be redefined as business associates under strengthened security restrictions?

1. Health care providers

2. Subcontractors with incidental exposure to PHI

3. Patients

4. Administrative staff

The correct answer is: Subcontractors with incidental exposure to PHI

Subcontractors with incidental exposure to protected health information (PHI) could be redefined as business associates under strengthened security restrictions because the definition of a business associate has evolved to encompass a broader range of entities that handle PHI. When subcontractors assist covered entities in the performance of certain functions or activities involving PHI, their involvement is significant enough to warrant the designation of business associate. This change reflects the emphasis on enhanced security and privacy protections under HIPAA regulations. By identifying subcontractors as business associates, the regulatory framework ensures that these entities are held to the same legal standards and obligations regarding the safeguarding of PHI, thereby mitigating risks associated with data breaches and unauthorized access. In contrast, health care providers typically are not redefined as business associates, as they are already considered covered entities under HIPAA. Patients are not classified as business associates since they are the individuals whose information is protected rather than those who handle or manage the data. Administrative staff, while involved in handling patient information, usually fall under the umbrella of the health care provider or covered entity itself and therefore are not redefined as business associates but rather as members of the workforce.