Which entities are considered covered entities under HIPAA?

Covered entities under HIPAA are specifically defined as those that engage in certain types of activities related to health care and the handling of protected health information (PHI). The correct answer highlights that health care providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses are the primary types of organizations that fall under the HIPAA regulation umbrella.

Health care providers refer to individuals or entities that provide medical or other health services to patients, such as doctors, hospitals, and clinics, and often transmit health information in electronic form in connection with a HIPAA transaction. Health plans include insurance companies, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and government programs that pay for health care, like Medicare and Medicaid. Healthcare clearinghouses are organizations that process health information received from another entity, converting it into a standardized format for billing or other purposes.

In contrast, the other options provided do not fit the HIPAA definition of covered entities. Retail pharmacies and insurance brokers, for instance, may handle health information but do not necessarily meet the criteria as a health care provider, health plan, or clearinghouse. Patient advocacy groups and non-profits typically do not engage in the electronic transmission of health information linked to HIPAA transactions. Similarly, medical supply companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers may interact with health information, but they