Which concept describes the need for limiting access to PHI?

The concept that describes the need for limiting access to Protected Health Information (PHI) is referred to as "minimum necessary." This principle is a fundamental aspect of HIPAA regulations, which stipulate that healthcare providers and organizations must restrict access to PHI to only those individuals or processes that require it to perform their duties.

The minimum necessary standard ensures that only essential information is shared or accessed in order to complete a task. For instance, when healthcare providers share information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, they should provide only the information pertinent to those specific purposes, rather than disclosing full medical records unnecessarily.

This approach not only protects patient privacy but also minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and potential breaches of PHI. It emphasizes the importance of data protection in healthcare settings, ensuring that individuals' sensitive information is safeguarded while still allowing for appropriate and necessary data sharing for health-related purposes.