Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

Breach notification under HIPAA specifically refers to the requirement that covered entities must inform individuals when there has been unauthorized access to their protected health information (PHI). This means that if an individual's PHI is compromised due to a data breach, the covered entity is legally obligated to notify the affected individuals in a timely manner. The notification should include details about what occurred, the type of information involved, and what steps individuals can take to protect themselves from potential harm.

The focus of breach notification is primarily on the individuals whose data has been affected, ensuring they are aware of the breach so they can take appropriate action, such as monitoring their accounts or seeking further protective measures. While notifying government agencies and providing public notice may be components of a breach response strategy, the central element of breach notification under HIPAA is the direct communication with those individuals impacted by the breach.