HMCC Privacy & Data Security

Question 1

What is the HIPAA Privacy Rule?

Accepted Answer

Federal regulations establishing standards for how covered entities must protect and handle patients' protected health information

Answer

The Privacy Rule establishes national standards for the use and disclosure of PHI by covered entities (health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, providers), including patient rights to access and control their health information.

Question 2

What is the HIPAA Security Rule?

Accepted Answer

Federal regulations requiring covered entities to implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect electronic PHI

Answer

The Security Rule requires covered entities to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic PHI through administrative safeguards (policies, training), physical safeguards (facility access), and technical safeguards (encryption, access controls).

Question 3

What is a Business Associate Agreement (BAA)?

Accepted Answer

A contract between a covered entity and a business associate that establishes permitted uses and required protections for PHI

Answer

BAAs are required when covered entities share PHI with business associates (billing companies, IT vendors, cloud providers). The agreement specifies how the associate will protect PHI and report breaches.

Question 4

What is the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule?

Accepted Answer

A requirement to notify affected individuals, HHS, and sometimes the media when unsecured PHI is accessed or disclosed without authorization

Answer

The Breach Notification Rule requires notification to affected individuals within 60 days, to HHS (and media for breaches affecting 500+ individuals), with specific content requirements for each notification.

Question 5

What is the minimum necessary standard under HIPAA?

Accepted Answer

The requirement to limit PHI use, disclosure, and requests to the minimum amount necessary to accomplish the intended purpose

Answer

The minimum necessary standard requires covered entities to make reasonable efforts to use, disclose, and request only the minimum PHI needed for the particular purpose, limiting unnecessary exposure of patient information.

HMCC - Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate Practice Test

HMCC - Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate Practice Test

HMCC Privacy & Data Security