Which statement about protected health information is accurate?

Which statement about protected health information is accurate?

• A. A client's first and last name are not PHI
• B. It is permissible to disclose patient information to coworkers if necessary to provide care
• C. A client's full name is PHI and must be safeguarded
• D. A patient's address is never PHI

Answer: (C)

PHI includes any information that can identify a patient and relates to their health care or to payments for care. A full name is identifying information, so it is considered PHI and must be safeguarded just like other health information. The idea that names aren’t PHI is incorrect, and the address is also PHI for the same reason. Disclosures to coworkers can happen when they are involved in the patient’s care and only the minimum necessary information is shared, but the statement that a full name is PHI and must be safeguarded is the most accurate and complete.

PHI includes any information that can identify a patient and relates to their health care or to payments for care. A full name is identifying information, so it is considered PHI and must be safeguarded just like other health information. The idea that names aren’t PHI is incorrect, and the address is also PHI for the same reason. Disclosures to coworkers can happen when they are involved in the patient’s care and only the minimum necessary information is shared, but the statement that a full name is PHI and must be safeguarded is the most accurate and complete.