Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

If a business visitor is a Business Associate, do they need to be escorted to protect PHI?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only if requested

4. Depends on the organization

The correct answer is: No

A Business Associate is a person or entity that performs certain functions on behalf of a covered entity that involves the use or disclosure of protected health information (PHI). In this context, if a business visitor is identified as a Business Associate, they are already subject to the same HIPAA rules regarding the use and protection of PHI as the covered entity itself. Therefore, there isn't a requirement for them to be escorted to protect PHI specifically because their role implies that they have undergone necessary training and have legal agreements in place to safeguard the information. They should be able to act independently in handling PHI as long as they adhere to the compliance guidelines established in their Business Associate Agreement. While some organizations may choose to implement additional security measures, such as escorting visitors, this is not a mandatory requirement under HIPAA for individuals already recognized as Business Associates, making this answer appropriate in relation to the role's obligations and the legal framework surrounding PHI.