How does HIPAA define "disclosure"?

The definition of "disclosure" under HIPAA specifically refers to the release or transfer of Protected Health Information (PHI) to entities outside of the covered entity. This is significant because it outlines the conditions under which PHI can be shared beyond the organization maintaining it, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding patient information.

This definition aligns with HIPAA's focus on protecting individuals' health information while allowing certain controlled exchanges necessary for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. Understanding this definition is crucial for compliance with HIPAA regulations, as it governs how healthcare providers, insurers, and other entities handle sensitive patient data.

The other provided options do not accurately reflect this definition. The concept of "complete removal" or internal administration lacks the necessary element of external sharing that defines "disclosure," while transferring PHI to unauthorized entities introduces the notion of illegality, which does not align with the formal definition under HIPAA.