When handling a data breach, which law requires notification regarding the breach?

The HITECH Act is the correct choice as it specifically mandates that healthcare organizations notify individuals in the event of a data breach involving their protected health information (PHI). This law was enacted to promote the adoption of health information technology and includes provisions for breach notification requirements. When a breach occurs, covered entities must notify affected individuals without unreasonable delay and within a specified timeframe, typically within 60 days.

Additionally, the HITECH Act emphasizes the importance of safeguarding electronic health information and lays out the framework for how breaches must be handled, including potential reporting to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) if the breach affects a certain number of individuals.

The other laws mentioned, while significant in their own contexts, do not specifically address the requirements for notifying individuals about data breaches involving health information. Understanding this distinction is crucial for ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and effectively managing patient data privacy.