Which of the following is considered sensitive information under HIPAA?

Under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), sensitive information is defined as any data that can be used to identify an individual, especially regarding their health status and personal health information. The Social Security Number is particularly sensitive because it is a unique identifier that can be used to access various records and services, including financial and medical information.

While other options, such as a phone number, email address, and home address, can also be considered personal information, they do not carry the same weight in terms of potential for identity theft or fraud as the Social Security Number does. When it comes to protecting privacy and security in health-related contexts, the Social Security Number is often singled out as the most sensitive due to its significance and the potential impact of its misuse. Thus, it is crucial to handle this information with the utmost care to ensure compliance with HIPAA and protect individuals' privacy rights.