What constitutes a 'breach' under the HITECH Act?

A 'breach' under the HITECH Act is defined as unauthorized access to protected health information (PHI). This means that if someone's PHI is accessed, viewed, or obtained without proper authorization or consent, it constitutes a breach. The purpose of the HITECH Act is to protect the privacy and security of individuals' health information, and a breach represents a significant violation of those protections. Such unauthorized access can occur through various means, such as hacking, improper disposal of PHI, or employee theft, and it poses risks not only to individuals' privacy but also can lead to identity theft or other harms.

The other options do not fit the definition of a breach. A minor data request does not necessarily involve unauthorized access and might be permissible under certain regulations. Secure data storage is aligned with proper safeguarding of PHI and is not indicative of a breach. The use of health information for research can also be compliant, provided that it follows necessary privacy protections and obtains consent when required. In summary, the essence of what constitutes a breach centers around unauthorized access to sensitive health information, which is precisely captured in the correct answer.