What does PHI stand for?

PHI stands for Protected Health Information, which refers to any information about an individual's health status, healthcare provision, or payment for healthcare that can be linked to a specific person. This definition is essential under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which establishes standards for the privacy and security of health information. PHI includes a broad range of identifiers that can be used to tie the data back to a particular individual, such as name, address, birth date, Social Security number, and medical record numbers.

Understanding PHI is crucial for professionals working in healthcare, especially those involved in the release of information. It helps to ensure compliance with regulations aimed at protecting patient privacy. The other options listed do not accurately convey the definition and the specific protections and considerations associated with health information under the law. Public Health Information and Patient Health Information are not formally recognized terms under HIPAA, as they do not encompass the full range of information that can be deemed protected.