What defines a security breach under HIPAA?

A security breach under HIPAA is defined as any unauthorized access to protected health information (PHI). This specific definition is crucial because it emphasizes the importance of safeguarding PHI against any unauthorized access that may compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of sensitive health data.

When unauthorized individuals gain access to PHI, whether through hacking, loss of a device containing PHI, or other means, this constitutes a breach that must be reported and investigated according to HIPAA regulations. The severity of such breaches can vary significantly, but the foundational principle is that any unauthorized access is treated seriously under HIPAA.

The other options, while they may involve mishandling of PHI or operational inefficiencies, do not fit the definition of a security breach as outlined by HIPAA regulations. Sharing PHI with other departments may be permissible under certain conditions, data entry errors do not equate to unauthorized access to data, and delays in record retrieval pertain more to operational issues than to security breaches. Therefore, understanding the nuances of what constitutes a security breach is essential for compliance with HIPAA and for maintaining the trust of patients in the handling of their health information.