Is first and last name a PHI?

When contained in the same communication as individually identifiable health information, patient names (first and last name or last name and initial) are identifiers that have the same protection as protected health information (PHI) in the HIPAA Privacy Rule.


Is first and last name considered HIPAA?

A name, whether a full name, first name, or last name, is considered Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA if it can be used to identify an individual in conjunction with their health information.

Is a last name by itself PHI?

The relationship with health information is fundamental. Identifying information alone, such as personal names, residential addresses, or phone numbers, would not necessarily be designated as PHI.


What is not considered PHI?

What is not PHI? De-identified health information neither identifies nor provides a reasonable base to identify an individual. Health information by itself without the 18 identifiers is not considered to be PHI. For example, a dataset of vital signs by themselves do not constitute protected health information.

What qualifies as PHI?

What does PHI include? PHI includes individually identifiable health information maintained by a Covered Entity or Business Associate that relates to an individual's past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, treatment for the condition, or payment for the treatment.


What is PHI (Protected Health Information)?



Is a first name only considered PHI?

Names, addresses and phone numbers are NOT considered PHI, unless that information is listed with a medical condition, health care provision, payment data or something that states that they were seen at a particular clinic.

What are 3 examples of information that is not considered PHI?

Examples of health data that is not considered PHI: Number of steps in a pedometer. Number of calories burned. Blood sugar readings w/out personally identifiable user information (PII) (such as an account or user name)

What is an example of a PHI and not a PHI?

For example, a data set of vital signs by themselves does not constitute protected health information. However, if the vital signs data set includes medical record numbers, then the entire data set is considered PHI and must be protected since it contains an identifier.


Is name and dob considered PHI?

Demographic information is also considered PHI under HIPAA Rules, as are many common identifiers such as patient names, Social Security numbers, Driver's license numbers, insurance details, and birth dates, when they are linked with health information.

What are the 18 identifiers of PHI?

The 18 PHI identifiers
  • Patient names.
  • Geographical elements.
  • Dates related to the health or identity of individuals.
  • Telephone numbers.
  • Fax numbers.
  • Email addresses.
  • Social security numbers.
  • Medical record numbers.


What is the last name rule from?

Scottish: habitational name from the lands of Rule (Roxburghshire), now Bedrule, Hallrule, and Abbotrule. The placename may be from Old English rūh 'rough' + wella 'spring, stream', or may embody an older British Celtic name.


Does anyone have the same first and last name?

Same personal name and family name

Examples include Sven Svensson, Ioannis Ioannou and Isahak Isahakyan.

Is a personal name a first name?

A given name (also known as a forename or first name) is the part of a personal name that identifies a person, potentially with a middle name as well, and differentiates that person from the other members of a group (typically a family or clan) who have a common surname.

Can you say first names in HIPAA?

It depends on the context and many other factors as well. Typically, calling out patients by their first name only is encouraged as to not violate HIPAA laws.


Is first name a HIPAA identifier?

Such identifiers include:

First name only. First initial with last name. Place of birth. Geographic indicators.

Is first name only a HIPAA identifier?

Is a patient name alone considered PHI under HIPAA? No, because a patient name by itself does not reveal any medical, treatment, or payment information.

What information is not protected by HIPAA?

Health information in education records that are subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is not considered protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA. For example, a child's K-12 records containing information about school nurse visits are not subject to HIPAA.


What is PHI under HIPAA?

PHI stands for Protected Health Information. The HIPAA Privacy Rule provides federal protections for personal health information held by covered entities and gives patients an array of rights with respect to that information.

How many identifiers are considered PHI?

The HIPAA privacy rule sets forth policies to protect all individually identifiable health information that is held or transmitted by a covered entity. These are the 18 HIPAA Identifiers that are considered personally identifiable information.

What are 7 identifiers of PHI?

18 HIPAA Identifiers for PHI
  • Patient names.
  • Geographical elements (such as a street address, city, county, or zip code)
  • Dates related to the health or identity of individuals (including birthdates, date of admission, date of discharge, date of death, or exact age of a patient older than 89)
  • Telephone numbers.
  • Fax numbers.


What are the 3 allowed uses of PHI?

Permitted Uses and Disclosures in HIPAA

For example, the HIPAA Privacy Rule specifically permits a use or disclosure of PHI for the covered entity that collected or created it for its own treatment, payment, and health care operations activities.

Which of the following is an example of a prohibited disclosure of PHI?

Personal Use or Disclosure of PHI

Use and disclosure for personal purposes, or to benefit someone other than the patient and the BU Covered Component, is prohibited. For example: Workforce members may not post any information, photos, videos or anything else about a patient on social media; and.

What information can be shared without violating HIPAA?

The HIPAA Privacy Rule at 45 CFR 164.510(b) permits covered entities to share with an individual's family member, other relative, close personal friend, or any other person identified by the individual, the information directly relevant to the involvement of that person in the patient's care or payment for health care.


What categories of information must be protected at all times PHI?

Protected Health Information (PHI, regulated by HIPAA)
  • Past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual.
  • Provision of health care to the individual by a covered entity (for example, hospital or doctor).
  • Past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care to the individual.


Which of the following is a HIPAA violation?

A HIPAA violation refers to the failure to comply with HIPAA rules, which can include unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI), failure to provide patients with access to their PHI, lack of safeguards to protect PHI, failure to conduct regular risk assessments, or insufficient ...