Define "data breach" in a healthcare context.

In the healthcare context, a data breach refers specifically to an impermissible disclosure or access to confidential patient information. This definition emphasizes the unauthorized nature of the action, highlighting that a data breach occurs when information is exposed in a way that violates privacy regulations, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

A breach can involve various forms of compromise, such as hacking, physical theft of devices, or even inadvertent disclosures due to operational mistakes. The importance of this definition lies in the potential harm it poses to patients, including loss of privacy, identity theft, and emotional distress.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what constitutes a data breach. Authorized sharing of information within the organization is not a breach if it follows legal and organizational protocols. Similarly, all requests for patient information and any storage of patient data do not define a breach, as these actions can be compliant with consent and regulatory requirements. Thus, recognizing the specific nature of a data breach is crucial in understanding its implications in the healthcare sector.