What is protected health information (PHI)?

Protected Health Information (PHI) is specifically defined as any information that can be used to identify an individual and relates to their past, present, or future physical or mental health conditions, the provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare services. This includes not only details about a person's health conditions but also demographic information that could reveal their identity when combined with health information.

The correct answer focuses on this critical aspect of PHI, emphasizing that it pertains to individual health information rather than more general data or information unrelated to health. It is essential in the context of legal and ethical considerations, particularly when it comes to healthcare privacy laws such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) which governs the use and disclosure of health information.

Other options listed do not align with the definition of PHI. Public safety offender details may involve other types of information, financial status information is related to economic aspects and not health, and generic health statistics refer to aggregate data rather than individual-level health conditions. Thus, the distinction of PHI lies firmly in the individual health information context, which is why the chosen response correctly identifies the scope of PHI.