Which entity is allowed to utilize a single notice of privacy practices?

The correct answer highlights that entities in an Organized Health Care Arrangement (OHCA) can utilize a single notice of privacy practices. This is permissible because an OHCA consists of multiple healthcare providers or organizations that work together to deliver healthcare services to patients. In such arrangements, the combined entities can share a notice that reflects the privacy practices applicable to all the participants involved, ensuring that patients receive cohesive information about their rights regarding the use and disclosure of their health information.

This approach simplifies the communication process for patients, as they receive a unified message regarding privacy practices, regardless of which entity they interact with within the OHCA. It also aligns with the regulations set forth by HIPAA, which recognize the benefits of streamlined information sharing and consistency for patients receiving care from interconnected providers.

The other choices do not allow for the same flexibility in sharing a single notice. Covered entities acting independently would each require their own separate notices to address their specific privacy practices. Large hospital systems might have the resources to create singular notices, but not all are structured in a way that allows for combined notices unless they form an OHCA. Finally, there is no specific regulation that limits the sharing of a single notice based on the number of employees a provider has; privacy practice requirements apply broadly across entities