What action constitutes a breach under HIPAA?

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Multiple Choice

What action constitutes a breach under HIPAA?

A breach under HIPAA occurs when Protected Health Information is accessed or disclosed without authorization in a way that could compromise a patient’s privacy. The option describes an unauthorized access or disclosure that harms confidentiality, which is exactly what HIPAA flags as a breach. In contrast, access for treatment is permitted, so it isn’t a breach. Routine data backups are part of normal operations and are not, by themselves, a breach when proper safeguards are in place. Disclosure of de-identified PHI isn’t PHI at all, so it isn’t considered a breach.

A breach under HIPAA occurs when Protected Health Information is accessed or disclosed without authorization in a way that could compromise a patient’s privacy. The option describes an unauthorized access or disclosure that harms confidentiality, which is exactly what HIPAA flags as a breach. In contrast, access for treatment is permitted, so it isn’t a breach. Routine data backups are part of normal operations and are not, by themselves, a breach when proper safeguards are in place. Disclosure of de-identified PHI isn’t PHI at all, so it isn’t considered a breach.

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