Which of the following entities is NOT covered by the HIPAA rule?

The correct answer identifies insurance agents as not being directly covered by HIPAA regulations. Under HIPAA, "covered entities" include health care providers, health insurance companies (also known as health plans), and healthcare clearinghouses that transmit health information in electronic form.

Although insurance agents may work with or on behalf of health insurance companies, they are typically considered the intermediaries in the insurance process rather than entities that perform health care operations, handle, or transmit health information. Consequently, they do not have the same obligations under HIPAA as covered entities do.

Understanding the distinction between covered entities and non-covered roles like insurance agents is crucial for compliance with HIPAA regulations, which revolve around protecting patient information and governing how that information should be handled, shared, and stored.