How is a breach defined by HIPAA?

A breach as defined by HIPAA specifically involves the unauthorized acquisition, access, use, or disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) that compromises the security or privacy of that information. This definition underscores the importance of safeguarding PHI against instances where individuals or entities gain access without proper authorization, which can lead to potential harm to the confidentiality of patients’ healthcare information.

In the context of this question, the focus is on unauthorized actions, as they pose a risk to the integrity of patient data and can result in various negative consequences, such as identity theft or violations of privacy rights.

The other options either imply actions that do not compromise the security of PHI, such as authorized access, or involve misunderstandings about the nature of breaches, like unauthorized deletions or disclosures to third parties that might not necessarily indicate a breach under HIPAA’s strict definitions. It’s the unauthorized nature of acquisition, access, use, or disclosure that is critical in determining a breach, solidifying the importance of maintaining robust controls to protect PHI from unauthorized actions.