Who must comply with HIPAA regulations?

The correct response highlights that compliance with HIPAA regulations is a requirement for covered entities and their business associates. Covered entities include healthcare providers who transmit health information electronically, health insurance companies, and healthcare clearinghouses. These entities are directly responsible for safeguarding protected health information (PHI) and ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Business associates are individuals or entities that perform functions or services on behalf of covered entities that involve the use or disclosure of PHI. They are also held accountable under HIPAA, as they must adhere to specific privacy and security requirements when handling health information. This dual layer of accountability ensures that not just healthcare providers and insurers, but also those who work with them, are committed to protecting sensitive health data.

The other options suggest a narrower interpretation of who must comply with HIPAA, focusing on only specific types of entities, which does not capture the full spectrum of responsibilities defined by the regulations.