According to HIPAA, which of the following is true about employees within a covered entity?

The correct answer highlights that employees within a covered entity may or may not be compensated. This reflects a broader understanding of employment within healthcare settings governed by HIPAA. Covered entities, which can include healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, may have a variety of staffing structures.

For instance, volunteers and interns involved in patient care or support roles may not receive compensation but still work under the supervision of covered entities and can have access to patient information. The HIPAA regulations focus on the training and responsibilities regarding Protected Health Information (PHI) rather than the employment status or compensation of the individual. Thus, it is not necessary for all employees to be full-time or compensated to be considered employees under the scope of HIPAA and have potential access to PHI.

The other options misrepresent the nature of employment concerning PHI access and the characteristics of employees within such entities:

• Full-time status is not a requirement under HIPAA, and many roles can be part-time or volunteer-based.

• The exclusive focus on healthcare providers ignores that many staff roles contribute to a covered entity's operations, including administrative and support positions.

• The assertion that employees do not have access to PHI is inaccurate; employees typically require access to PHI to perform