What constitutes a breach of PHI under HIPAA?

A breach of Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA is defined specifically as an impermissible use or disclosure of PHI that poses a significant risk of harm to the affected individual. This definition encompasses scenarios where the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of PHI is compromised in a way that could lead to potential misuse of the information or cause harm to the individual whose information has been disclosed.

In the context of HIPAA regulations, the significance of the risk of harm is a critical determining factor for recognizing a breach. This means that the nature of the incident and its potential consequences—such as identity theft, humiliation, or other forms of personal harm—are considered when assessing whether a breach has occurred. Thus, the option that highlights the risk of harm is correct as it aligns with the regulatory framework and underscores the importance of safeguarding patient information.

Other options include scenarios that do not meet the definition of a breach as they either describe permissible practices in healthcare, such as routine audits, or minor errors that do not jeopardize the confidentiality or security of PHI. These scenarios do not involve unauthorized disclosures or uses that could lead to significant repercussions for the individuals involved, which is essential in determining what constitutes a breach under HIPAA.