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 medical records, treatment history, and personal identifiers such as names, addresses, and Social Security numbers. PHI is safeguarded under laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to ensure patient privacy. The protection of PHI is crucial for maintaining trust between patients and healthcare providers. Unauthorized access or disclosure of PHI can lead to identity theft, discrimination, and other negative consequences for individuals. Healthcare organizations must implement strict security measures to protect this sensitive information.