A coding educator wants to use real patient charts in a public conference slide deck without removing identifiers. What must happen first?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
Teaching does not unlock a public PHI slideshow. Strip identifiers to the HIPAA de-identification rules—or get real authorization—before those charts hit a conference screen. Nicknames with MRNs still count as identifiable.
Full Explanation
HIPAA permits limited uses of PHI for training within covered-entity operations under appropriate safeguards, but public presentation of identifiable patient information requires authorization or proper de-identification. Partial masking that leaves direct identifiers does not satisfy de-identification standards. Educators must remove or obscure identifiers per policy before external teaching use.