Question

Which of the following is not an identifier that must be removed from information in order for the information to be de-identified in accordance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule's De-identification Safe Harbor?

a) Name
b) Social Security Number
c) Geographic subdivisions smaller than a state
d) Date of birth

Answer 1

The social security number (SSN) is not an identifier that must be removed from information in order to de-identify it in accordance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule's De-identification Safe Harbor.

Step-by-step explanation:

In accordance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule's De-identification Safe Harbor, the identifier that must be removed from information to de-identify it is the social security number (SSN). The name, geographic subdivisions smaller than a state, and date of birth are all identifiers that must be removed in order to de-identify the information. However, the SSN is considered a highly sensitive piece of information and its removal is necessary for de-identification.