Covered entities may use and disclose PHI for what purpose?

Covered entities are allowed to use and disclose protected health information (PHI) primarily for treatment, payment, and health care operations under the HIPAA Privacy Rule. This means that healthcare providers can share PHI to provide necessary medical services, bill patients or insurance companies, and conduct functions that are essential to their operations, such as quality assessment or staff training.

While some of the other purposes mentioned in the choices can involve PHI, such as research or marketing, these typically require patient authorization unless specific exceptions apply. Therefore, treatment, payment, and operations represent the core functions where the use and disclosure of PHI are not restricted and are deemed essential to the healthcare system’s operations. Understanding this is crucial for ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations while maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of individuals' health information.