Which of the following statements about PHI is true according to the NOPP?

The correct statement about Protected Health Information (PHI) is that its use requires changes to be communicated to the patients. According to the Notice of Privacy Practices (NOPP), healthcare providers and organizations must inform patients whenever there are significant changes in how their PHI is used or disclosed. This ensures transparency and maintains trust between the healthcare provider and the patient, allowing individuals to understand their rights regarding their own health information.

The other options misrepresent the regulations surrounding PHI and do not align with HIPAA guidelines. For instance, while certain situations allow for disclosures without consent, these are not unrestricted and do not apply to all scenarios, particularly when it comes to sensitive information. The idea that PHI must always be sold for research is not accurate; research involving PHI must adhere to strict ethical guidelines and typically requires informed consent. Additionally, PHI can often be accessed by regulatory bodies under specific legal conditions, and it is not wholly inaccessible to them; what’s crucial is that this is done in compliance with privacy laws.