What type of data is referred to as electronic protected health information (ePHI)?

The correct choice identifies electronic protected health information (ePHI) as encompassing both medical and personally identifiable information. ePHI specifically refers to any protected health information that is created, stored, transmitted, or received in electronic form. This includes a wide range of data related to an individual's health status, medical history, treatment information, and any identifiable data that can be linked to a person.

Medical records and treatment plans are integral components of ePHI, giving details about a patient's health and care. Additionally, personally identifiable information (PII)—such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and phone numbers—when linked to health-related data, also falls under the definition of ePHI. Together, these elements help ensure that individuals' health information is adequately protected under regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), as breaches of ePHI could lead to identity theft and violations of patient privacy.

Thus, recognizing both medical and personally identifiable information as components of ePHI enhances comprehension of the scope of data protection required in healthcare settings, thereby reinforcing the critical importance of security measures for safeguarding sensitive health information.