Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered a covered entity under HIPAA?

1. Insurance agents

2. Health care providers

3. General public

4. Regulatory bodies

The correct answer is: Health care providers

A covered entity under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) refers to organizations or individuals that handle protected health information (PHI) in a way that requires them to comply with HIPAA regulations. Health care providers are classified as covered entities when they transmit any health information in electronic form in connection with a HIPAA transaction. This includes doctors, hospitals, clinics, and other providers that bill for their services or treat patients. In contrast, insurance agents, although they may work with covered entities, are not directly classified as covered entities themselves. The general public does not fall under the category of covered entities since they do not handle PHI in the course of their regular activities. Regulatory bodies, while they may enforce HIPAA regulations, are also not classified as covered entities, as their primary role is not to provide health care or health insurance, but rather to oversee compliance and the implementation of laws pertaining to health information. Therefore, health care providers are the correct choice as they are directly engaged in providing medical services and managing health information covered by HIPAA.