Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which of the following are considered covered entities under HIPAA?

1. Health plan, health care provider, health care clearinghouse.

2. Insurance brokers, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals.

3. Health advocates, patients, nursing homes.

4. Employers, vendors, regulatory agencies.

The correct answer is: Health plan, health care provider, health care clearinghouse.

The correct response identifies covered entities under HIPAA, which specifically include health plans, health care providers, and health care clearinghouses. These entities are directly involved in the provision, processing, or payment of health care services and, as such, must comply with HIPAA regulations to ensure the protection of personal health information (PHI). Health plans refer to organizations that provide health insurance or health benefits. Health care providers are individuals or organizations that provide medical services and bill for those services; they may include doctors, clinics, and hospitals. Health care clearinghouses facilitate the processing of health information and may convert data into standardized formats for claims processing or other uses. The other options include entities or individuals that do not fit the definition of covered entities under HIPAA. Insurance brokers, while involved in the insurance process, are not classified as covered entities. Pharmaceutical companies may provide medications but are typically not deemed covered entities unless they directly provide health care services. Patients and health advocates do not qualify as covered entities, and while nursing homes may be covered entities, they are not exclusively defined by that category. Employers and regulatory agencies likewise do not fit the criteria for covered entities under HIPAA. Understanding the specific types of organizations classified as covered entities is crucial for compliance with HIP