ePHI is defined as?

ePHI, or electronic Protected Health Information, refers specifically to any form of protected health information that is stored, accessed, or transmitted electronically. This includes data that is created, saved, transferred, or received in an electronic format. The definition aligns with the standards set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule, which is designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI.

PHI in general encompasses any healthcare information that can identify an individual and pertains to their health status, provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare services. However, ePHI specifically deals with the subset of PHI that exists in digital form. This distinction is crucial for compliance with HIPAA regulations, as electronic data requires specific safeguards and security measures to ensure that it is protected from threats such as unauthorized access and breaches. Thus, the focus on electronic formats and compliance under the HIPAA Security Rule makes this definition accurate and essential in the healthcare compliance landscape.