Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

What action is required if a healthcare provider identifies improper disclosure of PHI?

1. No action is necessary

2. Report to the Office for Civil Rights

3. Notify the patient only

4. Update internal policies

The correct answer is: Report to the Office for Civil Rights

When a healthcare provider identifies improper disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI), it is crucial that they report the incident to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) as mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The OCR is responsible for enforcing HIPAA regulations and handling complaints regarding violations of patient privacy. Reporting the incident allows for the appropriate investigation and possible corrective actions to be taken to ensure the protection of patient information and compliance with HIPAA regulations. This action helps mitigate potential harm to the affected individuals and prevents future breaches of PHI. Ensuring that the OCR is notified reflects a commitment to accountability and adherence to legal obligations concerning patient privacy. The other options may not fulfill the legal requirements or adequately address the severity of the breach. Simply notifying the patient does not satisfy the broader obligations under HIPAA, and updating internal policies, while important, should follow the reporting of the breach to ensure that the policies reflect any new legal insights or corrective actions prompted by the OCR's investigation.