Home Glossary Protected Health Information (PHI) Protected Health Information (PHI) The A-Z of Privacy Protected Health Information (PHI): Protected Health Information (PHI) is individually identifiable health information. It is a category of personal information that is defined in the US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This act states: “Protected health information means individually identifiable health information: (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this definition, that is: (i) Transmitted by electronic media; (ii) Maintained in electronic media; or (iii) Transmitted or maintained in any other form or medium. (2) Protected health information excludes individually identifiable health information: (i) In education records covered by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1232g; (ii) In records described at 20 U.S.C. 1232g(a)(4)(B)(iv); (iii) In employment records held by a covered entity in its role as employer; and (iv) Regarding a person who has been deceased for more than 50 years. (See, HIPAA.)“. Return to glossary
