Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

As per the Omnibus Rule of 2013, which type of information is covered under HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule?

1. Financial information

2. Genetic information

3. Employment history

4. Educational records

The correct answer is: Genetic information

The Omnibus Rule of 2013 expanded upon the provisions of HIPAA, particularly by emphasizing the protection of what is deemed Protected Health Information (PHI). Genetic information specifically falls under this category because it is considered identifying health information that can provide insight into an individual's health status or risk for disease. Under HIPAA, any information that relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health condition of an individual, the provision of healthcare to the individual, or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of healthcare is protected. In this context, while financial information, employment history, and educational records may contain sensitive details, they do not fall under the specific definitions of PHI as set forth by HIPAA unless they are directly linked to an individual's health or healthcare. Thus, genetic information is correctly identified as a type of information covered under the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule due to its direct implications for individual health and wellness.