What does HIPAA protect?

What does HIPAA protect?

• A. Protects health information (keeping it confidential)
• B. Protects patients' financial records only
• C. Protects the facility's physical security
• D. Protects staff personal information

Answer: (C)

HIPAA protects health information and keeps it confidential. It sets standards for how identifiable health information (PHI) can be used, shared, and stored, and requires safeguards to protect that information in all forms—including paper and electronic records. PHI covers any details about a patient’s health status, care, or payment for care that could identify the person. While protecting PHI can involve physical security and other safeguards, the focus of HIPAA is the privacy and security of the health information itself, not just the facility or other types of records.

HIPAA protects health information and keeps it confidential. It sets standards for how identifiable health information (PHI) can be used, shared, and stored, and requires safeguards to protect that information in all forms—including paper and electronic records. PHI covers any details about a patient’s health status, care, or payment for care that could identify the person. While protecting PHI can involve physical security and other safeguards, the focus of HIPAA is the privacy and security of the health information itself, not just the facility or other types of records.