Who defines PHI under HIPAA?

The correct answer is the Department of Health and Human Services. This agency is responsible for defining and enforcing regulations related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), including the definition of Protected Health Information (PHI). According to HIPAA, PHI refers to any information held by a covered entity that relates to an individual's health, the provision of health care, or payment for health care that can be linked to a specific individual. The definition is crucial as it establishes the framework for what is considered sensitive health information that must be protected under the law.

While other organizations have roles in the healthcare system, they do not possess the authority to define PHI under HIPAA. For instance, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services oversees policy and regulations regarding federal healthcare programs, but they do not define PHI. The American Medical Association is a professional organization that advocates for physicians and public health but is not involved in regulatory definitions. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focus on public health and disease prevention but do not have the authority to define PHI under HIPAA.