How does HIPAA affect telehealth services?

The correct choice highlights that HIPAA provides guidelines for the protection of Protected Health Information (PHI) while delivering remote healthcare. Even in the context of telehealth, HIPAA mandates that healthcare providers ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of patient data, regardless of the medium through which healthcare services are provided.

As telehealth becomes increasingly common, adherence to HIPAA regulations is crucial to safeguard patient information during virtual consultations, ensuring that any electronic communications and transmitted data are secure. This includes implementing measures such as encryption, secure connections, and conducting risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities during telehealth services. By setting these guidelines, HIPAA helps maintain patient trust in telehealth as a safe and compliant means of accessing healthcare.

In contrast, the other options misunderstand the applicability and function of HIPAA in the context of modern healthcare practices.