Which of the following is NOT a function a business associate might perform?

Which of the following is NOT a function a business associate might perform?

• A. Consulting on privacy policies
• B. Billing services
• C. Providing emergency medical care
• D. Transcription services

Answer: (C)

A business associate is a person or entity that performs certain functions or activities on behalf of a covered entity that involves the use or disclosure of protected health information (PHI). Functions that business associates typically perform include billing services, transcription services, and consulting on privacy policies. These tasks are directly related to managing or handling PHI. Providing emergency medical care, however, is a function generally performed by healthcare providers who are considered covered entities under HIPAA. Such providers deliver health services directly to individuals and are responsible for ensuring the privacy and security of the information related to those services. Therefore, this activity does not fit within the scope of what a business associate does, as it involves direct patient care rather than administrative or supportive functions related to managing PHI.

A business associate is a person or entity that performs certain functions or activities on behalf of a covered entity that involves the use or disclosure of protected health information (PHI). Functions that business associates typically perform include billing services, transcription services, and consulting on privacy policies. These tasks are directly related to managing or handling PHI.

Providing emergency medical care, however, is a function generally performed by healthcare providers who are considered covered entities under HIPAA. Such providers deliver health services directly to individuals and are responsible for ensuring the privacy and security of the information related to those services. Therefore, this activity does not fit within the scope of what a business associate does, as it involves direct patient care rather than administrative or supportive functions related to managing PHI.