Final answer:
The HIPAA Security Rule specifically applies to PHI that is transmitted electronically, although all forms of PHI are protected under the broader HIPAA privacy rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The HIPAA Security Rule specifically applies to protected health information (PHI) that is transmitted electronically. It is designed to protect electronic health information that may be vulnerable to breaches when being stored, accessed, or communicated. While HIPAA has broad implications for patient privacy and the confidentiality of medical records, the emphasis of the security rule is specifically on electronic data.
Other forms of PHI transmission, such as orally or in writing, do fall under HIPAA privacy rules, but the security rule was enacted to address the additional challenges that come with electronic data. This distinction is crucial when considering compliance strategies for health information protection in the digital age.