Final answer:
The HIPAA "minimum necessary" standard does not apply to healthcare facilities for the purpose of providing treatment, or to uses or disclosures that are required by law. The correct answer is both (a) and (b).
Step-by-step explanation:
The HIPAA "minimum necessary" standard is a rule that applies to the protection of patient health information by ensuring that only the minimum amount of information necessary for the intended purpose is used or disclosed. However, there are exceptions to this standard. According to HIPAA, the minimum necessary standard does not apply to:
- Healthcare providers when the information is necessary for treating a patient.
- Disclosures required by law.
Therefore, the answer to the student's question is: The HIPAA "minimum necessary" standard does not apply to 3) Both (a) and (b), meaning it does not apply to healthcare facilities for the purpose of providing treatment, nor does it apply to uses or disclosures that are required by other law.