What is a limited data set?

A limited data set refers to protected health information (PHI) where certain direct identifiers have been removed, as specified by the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The purpose of creating a limited data set is to allow the sharing of information for research, public health, or healthcare operations while still protecting patient privacy.

By removing specific identifiers, such as names, Social Security numbers, and other direct identifiers, the data becomes less uniquely identifiable to individuals, thus allowing the use of health information without compromising patient privacy significantly. This makes option B the correct choice, as it accurately reflects the definition of a limited data set under HIPAA regulations.

The other options do not accurately define a limited data set. Fully anonymized data (as mentioned in option A) goes beyond a limited data set by removing all identifying information that could possibly link the data to an individual, making it not a form of limited data set. Option C, stating that it consists of complete medical records with limited access, incorrectly describes the nature of a limited data set, as it does not refer to complete medical records. Lastly, option D refers to data containing only statistical information, which does not align with the specific criteria of removing certain identifiers from PHI.