Which of the following is an example of a breach?

The example of a breach provided in this scenario is the accidental emailing of PHI (Protected Health Information) to the wrong person. A breach, as defined under HIPAA, involves unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of PHI that compromises the security or privacy of that information. When PHI is mistakenly sent to an unintended recipient, it constitutes a significant violation of privacy protocols and can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive health information. This unauthorized disclosure is what characterizes it as a breach under HIPAA regulations.

In contrast, accessing one's own medical records does not constitute a breach, as this behavior does not involve unauthorized access but rather is within the rights of the healthcare provider. Similarly, requesting a patient’s records with consent and discussing a patient’s condition in a closed room are both compliant with HIPAA guidelines, assuming the appropriate permissions and safeguards are in place. These actions reflect proper handling of PHI rather than violations or breaches.