Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which of the following is not protected under HIPAA?

1. Employment records

2. Medical records

3. Billing information

4. Patient health information

The correct answer is: Employment records

Employment records are not protected under HIPAA because HIPAA specifically focuses on the privacy and security of health information. The law is designed to safeguard certain health information held by covered entities, such as healthcare providers and health plans, and their business associates. Medical records, billing information, and patient health information are all considered protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA. PHI includes any individually identifiable health information that is transmitted or maintained in any form or medium. While employment records may contain some health-related information (e.g., disability or leave records), they are primarily governed by other employment-related laws and regulations, rather than HIPAA. Thus, the distinction lies in the context and purpose of the information: HIPAA is concerned with health information collected in the course of providing healthcare services, whereas employment records pertain to the employer-employee relationship.