What is PHI? HIPAA identifies certain PHI that must remain confidential.

Protected Health Information (PHI) refers to any individually identifiable health information, which includes details about a person's medical history, mental health conditions, treatment information, and billing details. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a federal law that mandates the protection and confidential handling of this sensitive information. The designation of PHI highlights the necessity of keeping such information secure to protect patient privacy and maintain confidentiality in healthcare settings. Under HIPAA regulations, certain types of PHI must be safeguarded against unauthorized access, ensuring patients' rights to privacy are respected. Understanding PHI is essential for all healthcare professionals, including CNAs, to ensure compliance with legal standards and ethical practices in patient care.