What type of information is usually protected under HIPAA?

The correct response is that genetic information is usually protected under HIPAA. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes national standards for the protection of certain health information. Specifically, it safeguards Protected Health Information (PHI), which includes a wide array of personal health details. Genetic information falls squarely within this category, as it can disclose an individual’s health conditions and risks based on their genetics, which is sensitive data that requires confidential handling to prevent discrimination and breaches of privacy.

The other information types listed do not typically fall under HIPAA protections. Public health statistics generally involve aggregated data that does not identify individuals and is therefore not considered PHI. Employment records contain information about an individual's employment status and history but do not necessarily relate to health information covered by HIPAA. Marketing data, while it can involve personal information, is also not covered under HIPAA as it does not pertain to healthcare operations, treatment, or payment. Therefore, genetic information is uniquely categorized as sensitive and protected under the HIPAA regulations.