In health information, what does the term "breach" refer to?

The term "breach" in health information specifically refers to the unauthorized access or disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) that compromises its security or privacy. This definition is critical in the context of health information management because breaches can have severe implications for patient confidentiality and trust, regulatory compliance, and potential legal liabilities for healthcare organizations.

When a breach occurs, it often results in sensitive patient data being exposed to unauthorized individuals or entities, which can lead to identity theft, fraud, or other harmful consequences for both patients and the healthcare provider. The definition provided aligns with the standards set by regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which outlines protective measures for PHI and sets forth requirements for reporting breaches.

The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of a breach in this context. Minor errors in data entry may affect the accuracy of patient records but do not constitute unauthorized access or disclosure. Routine audits of healthcare records are preventive measures rather than breaches, and data analysis malfunctions, while potentially problematic, do not inherently relate to the unauthorized access or exposure of sensitive information.