Which of the following must be included in a contract between Business Associates?

In a contract between Business Associates, it is essential to include a description of permitted uses of protected health information (PHI) and the safeguards that will be implemented to protect this information. This requirement stems from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its regulations concerning the handling of PHI.

The contract must specify how the Business Associate is allowed to use and disclose PHI, as well as the security measures that must be taken to ensure its confidentiality and integrity. This ensures that both the covered entity and the Business Associate are aware of their responsibilities and ensures compliance with legal standards. Such provisions are crucial for maintaining patient privacy and securing sensitive health information, thus protecting both parties in the contractual relationship.

Other options may not meet the requirements established by HIPAA or may not be necessary for the contract. For example, while financial compensation structures and the duration of operating hours can be relevant to the business relationship, they do not specifically address the core issues of PHI protection and compliance that are central to the contract between Business Associates. Similarly, listing all employees at the Business Associate is not required in this type of contract and does not pertain directly to the handling of PHI.