Final answer:
Protected information under HIPAA includes patient's medical records, social security numbers, and health insurance information, all of which need to be handled with confidentiality to comply with legal requirements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examples of protected information as defined by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) include medical records, social security numbers, and health insurance information. All these categories are sensitive and require careful handling to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with legal standards. When it comes to ensuring the privacy of health records, HIPAA regulations stipulate that covered entities should uphold the principles of confidentiality and security of individuals' personal health information. This can be particularly challenging in the digital age, where the sharing of electronic records among health providers is becoming more common. Additionally, the legislation requires organizations to seek informed consent before using or disclosing any health information, and to protect individual privacy by taking reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized access to patient information.