Which type of data is specifically protected under the HIPAA Privacy Rule?

The HIPAA Privacy Rule specifically protects PHI, which stands for Protected Health Information. PHI includes any information that can be used to identify an individual and relates to their physical or mental health, the provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare.

This means that any health information that can be linked to an individual, such as medical records, lab results, or health insurance details, is protected under HIPAA to ensure confidentiality and privacy for individuals. Entities subject to HIPAA, including healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, must implement safeguards to protect this information and ensure it is only disclosed under specific circumstances that comply with HIPAA regulations.

In contrast, PII (Personally Identifiable Information) refers to data that can identify an individual but is not limited to health-related data; it can include names, addresses, and other identifiers. PCI (Payment Card Industry) data security standards pertain to payment card information and its processing, while GDPR pertains to data protection regulations in the European Union, focusing on personal data but not specifically within the health sector like HIPAA does. Each of these has separate protections and scopes that do not overlap with the specific intent of the HIPAA Privacy Rule regarding PHI.