HIPAA Minimum Necessary Standard

Question 1

What does the HIPAA Minimum Necessary Standard require covered entities to do when using or disclosing PHI?

Accepted Answer

Limit PHI to the least amount reasonably needed to accomplish the intended purpose

Answer

The Minimum Necessary Standard requires covered entities to make reasonable efforts to use, disclose, or request only the minimum amount of PHI needed to accomplish the intended purpose.

Question 2

Which of the following disclosures is EXEMPT from the Minimum Necessary Standard under HIPAA?

Accepted Answer

Disclosures to a treating healthcare provider

Answer

HIPAA explicitly exempts disclosures to treating healthcare providers from the Minimum Necessary Standard because treatment requires complete clinical information.

Question 3

Under the Minimum Necessary Standard, what must a covered entity do when it routinely requests PHI from another covered entity?

Accepted Answer

Establish standard protocols or criteria limiting requests to the minimum needed

Answer

For routine requests, covered entities must establish standard protocols that limit PHI requests to what is reasonably necessary for the identified purpose.

Question 4

How should a covered entity implement the Minimum Necessary Standard for internal workforce access to PHI?

Accepted Answer

Implement role-based access controls so employees access only PHI needed for their job functions

Answer

Role-based access controls ensure each workforce member can access only the PHI necessary to perform their specific job function, satisfying the Minimum Necessary Standard.

Question 5

Which of the following is a valid method for a covered entity to comply with the Minimum Necessary Standard for non-routine disclosures?

Accepted Answer

Review each non-routine request on a case-by-case basis to determine the minimum PHI needed

Answer

For non-routine disclosures, covered entities must make an individual determination of what constitutes the minimum necessary PHI for each specific request.

HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Practice Test

HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Practice Test

HIPAA Minimum Necessary Standard