What constitutes a data breach under HIPAA?

A data breach under HIPAA is defined as the unauthorized acquisition, access, use, or disclosure of protected health information (PHI) that compromises the security or privacy of that information. This definition is crucial because it underscores the importance of safeguarding PHI against any unauthorized interactions that could lead to its exposure or misuse.

Unauthorized acquisition means that someone has accessed PHI without the right to do so, which can happen through various means, such as hacking or improper access by employees. Similarly, unauthorized use or disclosure refers to situations where PHI is either used in ways that violate HIPAA regulations or shared with individuals who do not have a legitimate need to know.

The other options do not align with the definition of a data breach. Accidental sharing of PHI between colleagues may not qualify as a breach if it does not lead to unauthorized access outside the intended circle and does not compromise the privacy of the information. The loss of a computer with no sensitive information does not constitute a breach, as it specifically involves the absence of PHI. Technical difficulties leading to service interruptions do not involve unauthorized access or disclosure of PHI; they relate more to operational issues rather than a breach of PHI security.

Thus, the emphasis on unauthorized acquisition, access, use,