How is breach notification defined under HIPAA?

Breach notification under HIPAA is defined as a requirement for covered entities to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) as well as affected individuals when there is a breach of unsecured protected health information (PHI). This requirement ensures transparency and allows affected individuals to take necessary actions to protect themselves from potential harm resulting from the breach.

The methodology for breach notification includes notifying HHS within a specified timeframe and informing individuals whose information has been compromised. This dual notification requirement reinforces the commitment to patient privacy and protection under HIPAA regulations. By mandating this process, HIPAA aims to safeguard patients’ personal health information and mitigate risks associated with data breaches.