COPE Health Scholars Practice Test

What must be maintained regarding PHI according to HIPAA?

1. Minimum essential information

2. Maximum public access

3. Confidentiality from unauthorized persons

4. Guidelines for disclosure to family members

The correct answer is: Confidentiality from unauthorized persons

The requirement to maintain confidentiality from unauthorized persons is a fundamental principle of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA was established to protect individuals' medical records and other personal health information, ensuring that sensitive data is not disclosed without proper consent. Confidentiality is crucial because it safeguards patients' rights to privacy regarding their health information. Unauthorized access or sharing of Protected Health Information (PHI) can lead to breaches of patient trust, potential discrimination, and legal repercussions. Maintaining confidentiality involves implementing various safeguards, including physical, administrative, and technical measures to prevent unauthorized access to PHI. While the other options highlight important considerations in handling health information, they do not encapsulate the primary objective of HIPAA's privacy regulations. For instance, minimum essential information relates to the scope of information shared, but confidentiality specifically targets the protection from unauthorized access, which is more central to ensuring the integrity of PHI under HIPAA rules.