Who is considered the individual whose protected health information is being safeguarded in a healthcare setting?

The correct answer is individuals, as they are the ones whose protected health information (PHI) is being safeguarded in a healthcare setting. Under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), PHI refers to any individually identifiable health information that is held or transmitted by a covered entity or its business associates. This information is specific to patients, clients, or individuals receiving medical care, making them the subjects of the data protection efforts mandated by HIPAA.

Healthcare providers, employers, or insurance companies are not the focus of the HIPAA regulations regarding PHI; instead, they are entities that must protect the health information of individuals. While they play important roles in the handling or managing of health information, the primary concern of HIPAA is to ensure the privacy and security of the individuals’ health data. Therefore, individuals are the correct choice as they are the ones who directly benefit from the protections provided under HIPAA.