Question

1. during a community health fair, a nurse is asked by a participant to explain the differences between protected health information (phi) and electronic protected health information (ephi). how should the nurse explain it? (a) phi refers only to medical records in digital format, while ephi includes both digital and paper records. (b) phi and ephi are identical; the terms can be used interchangeably. (c) phi encompasses all forms of patient information, while ephi specifically refers to electronic information. (d) ephi is a subset of phi that applies only to billing information.

Explanation:

Protected Health Information (PHI) includes any information held by a covered entity that relates to the health status, provision of health care, or payment for health care that can be linked to an individual. This can be in paper, oral, or electronic form. Electronic - Protected Health Information (ePHI) is a subset of PHI and specifically refers to PHI that is created, received, maintained, or transmitted in electronic form.

Answer:

C. PHI encompasses all forms of patient information, while ePHI specifically refers to electronic information.