When can a Business Associate access PHI?

The ability of a Business Associate to access Protected Health Information (PHI) is fundamentally governed by the terms of the agreement established with the covered entity, as set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). A Business Associate is typically a person or entity that performs functions or activities on behalf of, or provides certain services to, a covered entity that involves the use or disclosure of PHI.

The correct option highlights that the Business Associate can access PHI only when explicitly authorized by the covered entity, and the nature of this access must align with the stipulations outlined in their business associate agreement. This agreement details the permitted uses and disclosures of PHI, ensuring that the Business Associate handles the information in compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Factors such as administrative tasks, patient consent, and audit processes may not be sufficient alone for accessing the information. Any access by the Business Associate must always be in line with what has been documented and agreed upon in the contract to ensure compliance and protect patient rights.