What responsibility do covered entities and business associates share under HIPAA?

Covered entities and business associates under HIPAA share the essential responsibility to protect Protected Health Information (PHI). This responsibility stems from the fundamental purpose of HIPAA, which is to ensure the privacy and security of individuals' health information. Covered entities, such as healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, directly handle PHI in their operations. Business associates, on the other hand, provide services or perform functions on behalf of covered entities that involve the use or disclosure of PHI. This includes activities like billing, data analysis, and other functions where access to sensitive health information is necessary.

Protecting PHI involves implementing a range of technical, physical, and administrative safeguards to prevent unauthorized access or breaches. This shared responsibility is crucial for maintaining patient trust in the healthcare system and complies with the regulatory framework established by HIPAA. In contrast, the other options like marketing services, focusing solely on employee records, or providing healthcare services do not encapsulate the primary legal obligation highlighted by HIPAA related to the management of PHI.