Which of the following data is considered PHI?

The correct identification of protected health information (PHI) hinges on specific criteria established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). PHI is defined as any health information that can be linked to a specific individual. This includes information related to a person’s past, present, or future physical or mental health conditions, the provision of healthcare to the individual, or payment for the provision of healthcare.

In this context, the choice that specifies "any health information identifying an individual" rightly encapsulates the essence of PHI. The critical aspect here is the emphasis on the information being health-related and identifiable to an individual, which aligns with HIPAA's definition. This type of information is protected under HIPAA regulations to ensure the privacy and security of individuals' health data.

In contrast, other options present information that does not satisfy the criteria for being classified as PHI. For instance, license plate numbers are not inherently health-related unless they are connected to health information. General public health statistics are aggregated data that do not identify individuals, thus lacking the necessary connection to classified PHI. Similarly, information collected from non-patients does not pertain to health-related data of identifiable individuals and therefore does not qualify as PHI. Understanding these distinctions