Which statement best describes a Covered Entity?

Which statement best describes a Covered Entity?

• A. An entity that transmits health information electronically in connection with a HIPAA-covered transaction
• B. A patient
• C. A vendor that prints records
• D. A clinic that uses paper records only

Answer: (A)

Under HIPAA, a Covered Entity is a health care provider, health plan, or health care clearinghouse that electronically transmits PHI in connection with a HIPAA-covered transaction. The essential point is the electronic transmission of health information in the standard transactions HIPAA governs. The statement describing an entity that transmits health information electronically in connection with a HIPAA-covered transaction fits this definition exactly, so it’s the best description. A patient isn’t a covered entity, and a vendor that merely prints records isn’t a covered entity (they might be a business associate if they handle PHI under contract). A clinic that uses paper records only wouldn’t be a covered entity unless it also engages in electronic PHI transmissions for HIPAA transactions.

Under HIPAA, a Covered Entity is a health care provider, health plan, or health care clearinghouse that electronically transmits PHI in connection with a HIPAA-covered transaction. The essential point is the electronic transmission of health information in the standard transactions HIPAA governs. The statement describing an entity that transmits health information electronically in connection with a HIPAA-covered transaction fits this definition exactly, so it’s the best description. A patient isn’t a covered entity, and a vendor that merely prints records isn’t a covered entity (they might be a business associate if they handle PHI under contract). A clinic that uses paper records only wouldn’t be a covered entity unless it also engages in electronic PHI transmissions for HIPAA transactions.