Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Does HIPAA law allow a covered entity to withhold disclosure of PHI during an Office for Civil Rights investigation?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only in certain circumstances

4. Depends on the type of PHI

The correct answer is: No

The correct answer acknowledges that HIPAA does not allow a covered entity to withhold disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) during an investigation conducted by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Under HIPAA regulations, covered entities must comply with requests for information made during OCR investigations to ensure that individuals' rights are protected and to maintain accountability for compliance with the law. When an investigation occurs, it's essential for the OCR to access relevant PHI to determine if a violation has taken place. Withholding this information could impede the enforcement of HIPAA rules and could prevent the OCR from carrying out its mandate to protect patient rights and ensure the confidentiality and security of health information. Hence, covered entities are obligated to cooperate fully during these investigations. The other options suggest conditions under which PHI might be withheld, but they do not align with HIPAA’s requirement for transparency and compliance in such investigations.