What must a covered entity do if a patient's Protected Health Information (PHI) is compromised?

When a covered entity discovers that a patient's Protected Health Information (PHI) has been compromised, it is mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to notify the affected individuals and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). This requirement is crucial for maintaining patient trust and ensuring transparency in handling sensitive information.

Notifying affected individuals allows them to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from potential identity theft or other harm that could arise from the breach. Additionally, reporting to the OCR provides oversight and accountability, enabling regulatory bodies to monitor breaches and trends in health information security.

This process not only helps in mitigating potential damages to the individuals affected but also aids the entity in complying with federal regulations, thereby avoiding penalties and further legal complications. Timely notification is a critical component of breach response requirements under HIPAA, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding PHI and maintaining the integrity of health information systems.