What is defined as a breach in the context of PHI?

A breach in the context of Protected Health Information (PHI) is defined as any access, use, or disclosure of such information that is not permitted by the established regulations, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). This definition is crucial because it emphasizes that any unauthorized actions regarding PHI violate the privacy rights of patients and the obligations of healthcare providers to protect sensitive information. A breach can occur due to various reasons, including accidental sharing, hacking, or failure to follow proper data handling procedures. This highlights the importance of compliance with the regulations governing PHI to safeguard patients' privacy and maintain trust in the healthcare system.