Which entity does NOT typically fall under HIPAA's coverage?

Which entity does NOT typically fall under HIPAA's coverage?

• A. Health care providers
• B. Health information clearinghouses
• C. The general public
• D. Health plans

Answer: (C)

The general public does not typically fall under HIPAA's coverage because HIPAA primarily applies to entities that handle protected health information (PHI) in the course of their business. This includes health care providers who transmit health information in electronic form for transactions, health plans that provide or pay for medical care, and health information clearinghouses which process health information for other entities. The general public refers to individuals who are not involved in the healthcare system in a professional or administrative capacity. While individuals have rights to their own health information and protections under HIPAA regarding how their information can be used or disclosed by covered entities, they themselves are not considered a covered entity under the law. Therefore, the general public does not have the same responsibilities or rules associated with HIPAA compliance that healthcare providers, health plans, and clearinghouses do.

The general public does not typically fall under HIPAA's coverage because HIPAA primarily applies to entities that handle protected health information (PHI) in the course of their business. This includes health care providers who transmit health information in electronic form for transactions, health plans that provide or pay for medical care, and health information clearinghouses which process health information for other entities.

The general public refers to individuals who are not involved in the healthcare system in a professional or administrative capacity. While individuals have rights to their own health information and protections under HIPAA regarding how their information can be used or disclosed by covered entities, they themselves are not considered a covered entity under the law. Therefore, the general public does not have the same responsibilities or rules associated with HIPAA compliance that healthcare providers, health plans, and clearinghouses do.