When requesting or distributing PHI, what should you ensure?

When requesting or distributing Protected Health Information (PHI), it is essential to include only the necessary PHI. This principle is rooted in the concept of "minimum necessary" access outlined by regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). The goal is to limit the information shared to only what is necessary for the specific purpose at hand. This helps protect patient privacy and reduces the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Ensuring that only the necessary PHI is used or shared minimizes the exposure of patient data and upholds privacy standards, which is crucial in maintaining trust and compliance with legal requirements. This principle is fundamental to responsible data handling within healthcare practices.