Which of the following is considered a covered entity under HIPAA?

A health care provider who transmits health information electronically is considered a covered entity under HIPAA because the law specifically identifies certain categories of organizations and individuals that must comply with its regulations regarding the privacy and security of protected health information (PHI). Covered entities include health care providers who conduct certain transactions electronically, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses.

This designation is critical because it holds covered entities to specific standards regarding the handling of sensitive health information, ensuring that patient privacy is protected and secure access is maintained. The responsibilities and obligations established by HIPAA are applied to these entities to safeguard PHI and uphold patients' rights regarding their health information.

In contrast, individuals without medical licenses, fitness trainers who do not conduct electronic transactions for health information, and researchers not acting under the auspices of covered entities do not meet the criteria set forth by HIPAA to be designated as covered entities.