A breach of protected health information (PHI) occurs when there is what type of event?

A breach of protected health information (PHI) is specifically defined as an event involving the unauthorized use or disclosure of that information. This means that if someone accesses or shares PHI without proper authorization, it constitutes a breach. The significance of this definition lies in the legal and ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers to protect patient information, as mandated by laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

While unauthorized storage of records, delayed information access requests, and insufficient staff training can lead to potential risks or vulnerabilities in the handling of PHI, they do not directly result in a breach unless they culminate in unpermitted use or disclosure. Therefore, the core issue of a breach highlights the actions that violate the confidentiality and privacy of patient data, making unpermitted use or disclosure the definitive event that triggers this breach.