What principle guides the sharing of PHI according to HIPAA?

The principle that guides the sharing of Protected Health Information (PHI) according to HIPAA is known as Minimum Necessary Access. This principle emphasizes that when disclosing PHI, only the information that is necessary to accomplish the intended purpose should be shared. This approach is intended to protect patient privacy by limiting access to their health information to the least amount required for a specific task, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access or exposure of sensitive data.

By implementing the Minimum Necessary Access standard, covered entities and business associates are encouraged to evaluate what information is essential for their operations and limit disclosures accordingly. This is crucial in safeguarding patient confidentiality and promoting trust in healthcare systems.