Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Protected Health Information?

Protected Health Information (PHI) is defined under HIPAA regulations, and it encompasses any individually identifiable health information that is transmitted or maintained in any form or medium, including electronic, paper, or oral. Therefore, the characteristic stating it must be maintained in electronic format is not accurate, making it the correct choice for what is NOT a characteristic of PHI.

PHI must relate to an individual’s health status, health care, or payment for health care, thus connecting directly to health-related information. Additionally, PHI includes information that can be used to identify an individual, either directly (e.g., name, Social Security number) or indirectly (e.g., health conditions when associated with a particular individual). Moreover, all PHI is protected under HIPAA, which ensures that such sensitive information is subject to strict privacy protections, preventing unauthorized access or disclosure.

In summary, the requirement for PHI to be maintained in electronic format is not a characteristic of PHI, as it can exist in various formats.