Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

What should George do if he suspects a possible breach of protected health information (PHI)?

1. Ignore the situation as it is not his responsibility

2. Report the potential breach to his supervisor

3. Contact IT directly for advice

4. Wait for more information before acting

The correct answer is: Report the potential breach to his supervisor

Reporting a potential breach of protected health information (PHI) to a supervisor is the appropriate course of action for George. This step is crucial because it ensures that the situation is escalated to the right individuals who have the authority and responsibility to investigate and address the matter. Under HIPAA regulations, employees and workforce members are mandated to report any suspected breaches as part of the organization's compliance obligations. By notifying a supervisor, George ensures that the incident is formally documented and that the organization can take swift action to mitigate any risks associated with the potential breach. This can include implementing measures to protect the PHI, conducting an investigation, and notifying affected individuals if necessary. Failing to report the incident may lead to further exposure of sensitive information, and waiting for more information could delay necessary actions to protect the data. Contacting IT directly, while potentially helpful afterward, is not the initial step unless instructed by a supervisor, as it does not follow the standard reporting protocol within most healthcare organizations. Ignoring the situation is clearly inappropriate and could result in significant ramifications for both George and his organization.