What does the Breach Notification Rule require from covered entities?

The Breach Notification Rule, governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), mandates that covered entities must investigate any unauthorized access to or disclosure of protected health information (PHI). This requirement is crucial because it ensures that covered entities assess the scope and impact of the breach adequately. By conducting an investigation, they can understand how the breach occurred, identify affected individuals, and determine the necessary actions to mitigate potential harm.

This requirement underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in managing sensitive health information. Following the investigation, covered entities must notify affected individuals and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) if the breach involves more than a specified number of individuals, fostering trust and compliance within the healthcare sector.

In contrast, other choices focus on aspects like immediate patient care, ongoing system monitoring, or staff training, which, while important, do not directly relate to the specific obligations set forth by the Breach Notification Rule in addressing and managing breaches of PHI.