What potential penalties can result from knowingly releasing PHI?

The penalties for knowingly releasing protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA can indeed include significant criminal repercussions. When there is an intentional breach of confidentiality concerning PHI, it is classified as a serious offense. The law outlines that individuals convicted of such violations may face a jail sentence ranging from one year up to ten years, depending on the severity and circumstances of the breach. Additionally, a monetary penalty of up to $50,000 can accompany this jail time, reflecting the gravity of protecting sensitive health information.

These strict penalties exist to deter individuals and organizations from mishandling PHI, ensuring that there is a serious consequence for such actions, thus promoting compliance with established privacy regulations.