What does the term "covered entity" refer to under HIPAA?

The term "covered entity" under HIPAA specifically refers to healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses that conduct certain transactions electronically and handle protected health information (PHI). These covered entities are central to HIPAA's framework, which is designed to safeguard the privacy and security of PHI.

Healthcare providers include doctors, clinics, hospitals, and other entities that provide medical services and bill for those services. Health plans encompass insurance companies, government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, as well as health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Clearinghouses are entities that process or facilitate the processing of health information and claims. The definition is crucial because it identifies who must comply with HIPAA regulations, ensuring that these key players in the healthcare system are accountable for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of patients' sensitive data.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the definition provided by HIPAA. Entities that manage medical waste, organizations that handle patient complaints, or non-profit organizations in the healthcare sector may play important roles in health care but do not fall under the specific definition of covered entities within HIPAA.