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Criminal Penalties Health Data

Meaning

Criminal Penalties for Health Data refer to the serious legal consequences, including significant financial fines and potential terms of imprisonment, reserved for individuals who knowingly obtain or disclose protected health information (PHI) in direct violation of the HIPAA statute. Unlike civil penalties, these criminal sanctions are actively pursued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and are typically applied in cases involving malicious intent, personal financial gain, or substantial harm to individuals. This strict enforcement mechanism underscores the gravity of safeguarding sensitive medical records within the entire health and wellness space.