Protected Health Information (PHI) refers to any information about a person's health status, healthcare provision, or payment for healthcare that can identify the individual. This includes details like names, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and medical records. PHI is protected under laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which ensures that individuals' health information remains confidential. Healthcare providers, insurers, and other entities that handle PHI must implement safeguards to protect this information from unauthorized access or disclosure. Violations of PHI regulations can lead to significant penalties, emphasizing the importance of maintaining patient privacy and security.