What would likely happen if a covered entity fails to follow the guidelines of the NOPP?

When a covered entity fails to follow the guidelines established by the Notice of Privacy Practices (NOPP), the most significant consequence is the potential for legal penalties and the loss of trust among patients and the public. The NOPP is designed to ensure that patients understand their rights concerning their health information and how it may be used or disclosed. Non-compliance can lead to serious implications, including violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which can result in hefty fines and legal repercussions.

Additionally, failing to adhere to these guidelines can erode patient trust. Patients expect their sensitive health information to be handled properly and with confidentiality. Once that trust is compromised, patients may become hesitant to seek care from the entity or share important health information, leading to broader implications for patient care and the entity's reputation.

While the other options present scenarios that may seem plausible, they do not align with the reality of the consequences of non-compliance with the NOPP. There are definitely repercussions, not increased admission rates, nor a decreased demand for compliance. Therefore, option B accurately captures the serious implications of neglecting NOPP guidelines.