The HIPAA Privacy Rule covers which of the following?

The HIPAA Privacy Rule covers a broad range of entities, specifically those involved in the handling of protected health information (PHI). This includes health plans, which are responsible for administering health insurance, and health care clearinghouses, which process health information received from health care providers or health plans. Additionally, health care providers who conduct certain transactions electronically, such as billing and eligibility inquiries, are also covered by the Privacy Rule.

By encompassing all these categories—health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers—it ensures comprehensive protection of personal health information across various dimensions of the healthcare system. The inclusion of all these entities highlights the overarching goal of HIPAA to safeguard patient information and maintain the confidentiality and security of their health data. Hence, the correct choice reflects the full scope of the Privacy Rule's coverage, reinforcing its critical role in healthcare compliance.