What is the definition of Protected Health Information (PHI)?

Protected Health Information (PHI) is defined as any information that relates to the health status, provision of health care, or payment for health care that can be linked to an individual. This encompasses a wide array of health-related information, including medical records, treatment histories, and—importantly—genetic and demographic data that can reveal insights about a person's health condition. The inclusion of genetic data highlights the growing recognition of how personal genetic information can affect a person’s health and treatment options, solidifying its role as PHI under regulations like HIPAA.

In this context, information that is strictly financial or that is unidentifiable from an individual’s health records does not qualify as PHI. While financial information (such as billing records) may intersect with health care, it's not exclusive to health status or care. Additionally, information that is never identified with the patient or which cannot be used to identify an individual does not fall under the PHI classification, as it lacks the characteristics necessary to connect the information effectively to an individual patient’s health care details. Thus, the comprehensive nature of option B in addressing various aspects of health-related data solidifies it as the correct definition of PHI.