A Business Associate has the same responsibility to protect patient information as a(n)?

A Business Associate has the same responsibility to protect patient information as a Covered Entity because both are bound by the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). A Covered Entity, which includes healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, handles protected health information (PHI) directly. A Business Associate, on the other hand, is an individual or entity that performs certain functions or activities on behalf of or provides services to a Covered Entity that involves the use or disclosure of PHI.

Under HIPAA regulations, both entities are required to implement appropriate safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PHI. This includes ensuring that any protected health information accessed, maintained, or shared by the Business Associate is kept secure and used only as permitted by HIPAA regulations and the Business Associate Agreement with the Covered Entity. The alignment of responsibilities between a Business Associate and a Covered Entity emphasizes the importance of protection and safeguarding patient information throughout the healthcare system.