To whom does the minimum necessary standard of HIPAA apply?

The minimum necessary standard of HIPAA applies to all human subjects research using Protected Health Information (PHI) without authorization. This standard dictates that covered entities must limit the use or disclosure of PHI to the minimum amount necessary to achieve the intended purpose. In the context of research, this means that researchers must only access and use the minimum amount of PHI needed to conduct their studies, ensuring that the privacy of individuals is protected while still allowing for the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

In situations involving research, particularly when PHI is used without specific authorization from the subjects, it is crucial to adhere to this standard to comply with HIPAA regulations. This encompasses a wide range of research activities and is not restricted to specific populations, such as children, or driven by the funding source of the research.

The correct understanding of this standard underscores its importance across human subjects research rather than limiting it to specific groups or situations, ensuring that all research maintains a strong ethical commitment to safeguarding individual health information.