True or False: PHI does NOT include any information that identifies the individual or could reasonably be used to identify the individual.

The statement that PHI (Protected Health Information) does not include any information that identifies the individual or could reasonably be used to identify the individual is false. PHI is defined under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) as any information that relates to an individual's health condition, healthcare provision, or payment for healthcare, which can be linked to the individual. This includes not only direct identifiers like names and Social Security numbers but also other types of information that can indirectly link back to an individual.

For example, data such as addresses, dates of birth, and even biometric identifiers can qualify as PHI if they can be associated with a specific individual. The intent of including such identifiers is to ensure that individuals’ privacy is protected, as they can enable unauthorized parties to piece together personal health information. Thus, the correct understanding of PHI encompasses any information that can identify an individual or could reasonably be used to deduce their identity, making the assertion that it does not include such information incorrect.