Which policies govern sharing a patient's protected health information (PHI) in Intercom Plus?

Which policies govern sharing a patient's protected health information (PHI) in Intercom Plus?

• A. Only HIPAA privacy policy.
• B. No policy governs PHI sharing.
• C. HIPAA privacy policies and Walgreens privacy policies.
• D. Only Walgreens privacy policy.

Answer: (C)

PHI sharing in Intercom Plus is governed by both HIPAA protections and Walgreens’ own privacy policies. HIPAA sets the federal rules for PHI—who may access it, what can be shared, the minimum necessary standard, safeguarding requirements, and breach notification. Because Intercom Plus is a Walgreens system that handles PHI, the company’s privacy policies translate those federal rules into practical, day-to-day procedures—who may access the system, how disclosures are handled, required training, and how to report incidents. Together, they ensure PHI is used properly and securely. Focusing only on HIPAA misses the company-specific practices, while focusing only on Walgreens policies would overlook the mandatory federal protections.

PHI sharing in Intercom Plus is governed by both HIPAA protections and Walgreens’ own privacy policies. HIPAA sets the federal rules for PHI—who may access it, what can be shared, the minimum necessary standard, safeguarding requirements, and breach notification. Because Intercom Plus is a Walgreens system that handles PHI, the company’s privacy policies translate those federal rules into practical, day-to-day procedures—who may access the system, how disclosures are handled, required training, and how to report incidents. Together, they ensure PHI is used properly and securely. Focusing only on HIPAA misses the company-specific practices, while focusing only on Walgreens policies would overlook the mandatory federal protections.