What does "disclosure" mean in the context of HIPAA?

In the context of HIPAA, "disclosure" refers specifically to the act of sharing or revealing protected health information (PHI) to parties outside of the entity that holds the information. This definition emphasizes the importance of how patient information is managed and disseminated beyond the original source, which is critical to maintain patient privacy and compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Sharing information within the same entity is more accurately described as "use" rather than disclosure. This differentiation is key in understanding HIPAA’s privacy framework, as HIPAA distinguishes between internal handling of PHI (use) and external sharing (disclosure).

Transmitting data electronically is also a separate concept that pertains to how data is communicated but does not directly define what disclosure means under HIPAA.

Storing patient information securely involves practices that ensure the confidentiality and integrity of health data but does not encompass the action of revealing that information to outside parties, which is the essence of disclosure.

Therefore, the choice identifying disclosure as sharing information between different entities aligns accurately with HIPAA's definition and intention regarding the protection of patient information.