Office Administrative Assistant Practice Exam

Which type of information is protected under HIPAA regulations?

1. Public health data

2. Employment history

3. Patient health information (PHI)

4. Financial records of a practice

The correct answer is: Patient health information (PHI)

The correct answer centers on the protection of patient health information, commonly referred to as PHI. Under HIPAA, which stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, patient health information includes any data that relates to a person's health condition, health care, or payment for health care that can identify an individual. This regulation ensures the confidentiality and security of sensitive patient data, preventing unauthorized access and disclosure. Other types of information listed, such as public health data, employment history, and financial records of a practice, do not fall under the specific protections afforded by HIPAA. Public health data may be used for broader health surveillance and reporting, employment history pertains to an individual’s work background without direct relation to health status, and financial records, while sensitive, are governed by different regulations aimed at protecting financial confidentiality rather than health information specifically.