Which practice is associated with protecting health information privacy in Public Health Operations?

• A. CDC
• B. HIPAA
• C. WHO
• D. FBI

Answer: (B)

Protecting health information privacy in Public Health Operations is governed by HIPAA. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act establishes safeguards for protected health information and gives individuals rights over their PHI, including how it can be used, shared, and protected. The Privacy Rule sets clear limits on disclosures and requires that only the minimum necessary information be shared. In public health contexts, HIPAA allows disclosures to public health authorities to prevent or control disease and other health conditions without patient authorization, as long as the disclosures meet the rule’s requirements and safeguards. This combination of protections and permitted disclosures lets public health work proceed effectively while still prioritizing individuals’ privacy. The other options refer to organizations rather than the privacy standard itself; HIPAA is the rule that defines how PHI must be protected.