Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Who must a Business Associate report a breach of protected health information (PHI) to?

1. The patient's family

2. The covered entity responsible for the original health information

3. The federal government

4. Insurance companies

The correct answer is: The covered entity responsible for the original health information

A Business Associate is required under HIPAA regulations to report any breaches of protected health information (PHI) to the covered entity that is responsible for the original health information. This is because the covered entity holds the primary obligation for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PHI. When a breach occurs, the Business Associate must inform the covered entity promptly so that it can take the necessary steps to mitigate any harm, notify affected individuals if required, and comply with federal and state regulations regarding breach notification. This responsibility emphasizes the importance of communication between the Business Associate and the covered entity, ensuring that patient information is adequately protected and that appropriate actions can be taken in response to any incidents. The other options involve parties that are not typically involved in the formal breach notification process established under HIPAA regulations. For example, notifying a patient's family or insurance companies does not fulfill the legal obligation regarding breaches; thus, these parties are not the correct recipients of such reports. The requirement for notifying the federal government is also separate and typically only applies under specific circumstances and not for every breach reported by a Business Associate.